Levern Spencer described receiving the Saint Lucia Cross as a deeply meaningful moment that allowed her to reflect on more than two decades of dedicated service to her country through sport. The retired high jumper, who remains Saint Lucia’s most decorated female athlete, was honoured during the island’s recent National Investiture Ceremony held at Government House, becoming the first of three national sporting heroes to receive the island’s second-highest civil honour this year.
“Indeed, it was a special moment for me, giving 23 consecutive years of my life towards representing my country in sports,” Spencer told Sportsmax.TV. “Competing at five consecutive Commonwealth Games, eight consecutive World Championships and four consecutive Olympics is definitely a big deal. So, receiving the Saint Lucia Cross… was definitely a special moment which gave me the opportunity to reflect on my many years of service to Saint Lucia.”
As her citation was being read by Nathalie Jolie-Fanis, Spencer was visibly moved—occasionally breaking into a smile. Later, she explained why:
“I smiled at the reaction of the audience. Most people know I have done well over the years, but when my records and statistics are really impressive and put into perspective, then it was an eye opener or a reminder to many,” she said.
Spencer’s extraordinary career included numerous historic achievements: she was the first Saint Lucian to win gold at the Pan American Games and medal at the Commonwealth Games, and remains the only Saint Lucian athlete to reach the finals of the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Indoor Championships. She still holds the national high jump record, set at just 14 years old, and was named Sportswoman of the Year an unprecedented 16 times. She also carried the Saint Lucian flag at major international events on 10 occasions, cementing her legacy as a national symbol of excellence.
During the ceremony, citations highlighted the transformative impact of Spencer and fellow recipients Darren Sammy and Julien Alfred on Saint Lucian sport and national pride.
Sammy, who famously led the West Indies to two ICC T20 World Cup titles, was recognised for his outstanding service to cricket and youth development. Although absent, the former West Indies captain was represented by his wife, Cathy Sammy, who accepted the honour on his behalf.
“Darren Sammy is a leader and global ambassador whose contributions to cricket and Saint Lucia’s national pride are unparalleled,” Jolie-Fanis said in her reading. His Test debut saw him claim 7-66—still one of the best performances by a debutant—and as captain, he delivered historic titles in 2012 and 2016. Sammy was also the first Saint Lucian to represent the West Indies and later established the Darren Sammy Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth through sport and education.
Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s newest athletic icon, was also awarded the Saint Lucia Cross for her distinguished service in track and field. Alfred, who won the island’s first Olympic gold medal in the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was represented at the ceremony by her uncle, Moses Alfred.
Jolie-Fanis recounted Alfred’s historic career, which includes a national record of 10.72 seconds in the 100m and a silver medal in the 200m at the same Olympic Games. Earlier in 2024, Alfred became the first NCAA woman to run under seven seconds in the 60m, clocking 6.98 to win gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. She also won the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, earned silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics, and was awarded the prestigious Bowerman Award in 2023.
“Through humility, discipline and perseverance, Julien Alfred has brought immense pride to Saint Lucia,” Jolie-Fanis said. “Her groundbreaking achievements inspire youth and elevate the island's global recognition.”
The Saint Lucia Cross is awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service of national importance. All three recipients were acknowledged not just for their international achievements but also for their enduring roles as national role models and ambassadors.
Photos: Levern Spencer Instagram