Julien Alfred wins 200 in Monaco
Julien Alfred has nothing to prove to anyone – 2024 Olympic gold (100) and silver (200), World Indoor 60m gold and Diamond League final winner; 2025 World bronze and Diamond League final winner. In Monaco, she was up against Gabby Thomas, 2024 Olympic 200m champion, 2024 Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay, 2020 Tokyo Olympic silver in the 4x100m relay, and bronze in the 200 meters, plus World Champ Outdoor gold in the 4x100m relay and silver in the 200 meters.
The two were presented together at the pre-event press conference. Gabby explained how success had changed her perspective: “I think becoming an Olympic champion changes you in some ways, but for the most part I try to focus on doing the same things that got me there. Winning the Olympics doesn’t make things easier. The work stays the same, even though expectations become higher. Every day I just focus on continuing the process that brought me success.” However, some things don’t change: “The goal is simple – to win. You take it race by race, do everything you can to win. I’m naturally competitive and always want to perform at my best”.
Julien, who is from St Lucia, grew up in Jamaica and now lives in the USA, spoke warmly of Monaco: “First of all, the weather. I love it when it’s hot, coming from the Caribbean, and I also love being close to the sea”. As far as preparation for running in Monaco went, she was ready: “I feel really good. I’m in great shape. I spent the last four weeks working on the things I needed to improve, and I feel strong both physically and mentally. My main priorities for the season are staying healthy, qualifying for the Diamond League Final and competing at the Ultimate Championships”. Asked about times, she said, “Anything under 22 seconds would make me happy, but right now winning is the most important thing.”
If sub 22 would make Julien happy, 21.51 must have delighted her = PR, MR, WL, NR. Gabby was third in 21.84 with Adaejah Hodge second in 21.76. Asked, after the race, about her start, Julien explained: “It’s not about the reaction time, it’s about how you finish. I don’t care about my reaction time; I was first, that’s all that matters. I have been preparing for this for such a long time; to finally see it pay off, I am just happy. I didn’t realize how fast it was till I crossed the line. I looked at the clock and saw my time, and that’s why I was screaming like at the Olympics. Because I have been looking forward to this for so long. I am just so happy to see that time. There are no limits right now. Today, I was actually hoping to see 21.6; I got 21.5, so I am even happier”. Her happiness is indeed clear from the expression on her face!
See Stuart’s interview with Julien after the race
https://x.com/AthleticsWeekly/status/2075678459087519954/video/1
