Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has extended heartfelt congratulations to rising sprint sensation Jady Emmanuel, following her groundbreaking victory in the Under-17 girls 100m final at the 52nd Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.

Emmanuel stormed to gold in 11.50 seconds, fending off Jamaica’s Adora Campbell, who secured silver in 11.67, while Brion Ward of the Bahamas finished third in 11.78. The win marked a historic moment for St Lucia, as Emmanuel became the first athlete from the island to win gold in the 100m in the history of the Carifta Games, which began in 1973.

Her performance builds on the legacy of Naomi London, who in 2023 became the first St Lucian to medal in the sprints at the Carifta Games, winning silver in both the 100m and 200m. Emmanuel went one step further, elevating St Lucia to the top of the podium in the blue-ribbon event.

Among those quick to commend Emmanuel was the country’s most celebrated track star, Julien Alfred. In a video message shared after the final, Alfred, who in 2024 won the Olympic 100m title, the first St Lucian to do so,  expressed her pride and encouragement:

“Hey Jady, Julien Alfred here. I wanted to wish you congratulations on your gold medal in the 100,” Alfred said. “I know you have the 200 coming up and I wanted to wish you the very best. Go out there and give it all that you can, and St Lucia is very, very proud of you.”

Emmanuel is set to compete in the 200m later this weekend as she aims to further solidify her status as one of the brightest young talents in Caribbean sprinting.

Photo: Emmanuel with proud St Lucia Athletic Association President Dora Henry in Trinidad on Saturday.