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Heartwarming scenes as Julien Alfred receives hero’s welcome in St Lucia after Olympic gold

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1 year ago

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  • Julien Alfred returned to Saint Lucia after winning the island’s first-ever gold medals at the Olympic Games
  • The 23-year-old received a warm welcome from thousands of fans who flocked to the streets to see their gold medallist
  • Alfred defeated world champion Sha’Carri Richardson to win gold in Paris, ending Jamaica’s dominance

 

Julien Alfred returned to Saint Lucia more than a month after defeating Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 23-year-old received a hero’s welcome as she landed at the Hewanorra International Airport.

Government officials led the welcoming party before celebrations began for their first-ever Olympic gold medallist.

Julien Alfred won Saint Lucia’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Photos by OPM Stain Lucia (X) and Michael Steele. Source: Getty Images

 

Thousands of fans lined up on the street to get a glimpse of the Olympic gold medallist. The cheers were defeating as she moved from street to street.

World champion Richardson was the favourite to win the race after the withdrawal of Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

However, Alfred upset the American by winning her island’s first-ever gold medal at the Olympic Games. She clocked 10.72 seconds to secure the biggest win of her career.

What Alfred said after returning to Saint Lucia

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Alfred said her success in Paris needed a lot of work.

“It was truly a rocky road. Many days I wanted to just give up, throw in the towel and just say, ‘I’m done’. But my village, those persons who were around me, I just want to say thank you for just everything you have done for me. I really appreciate it,” she said, per St Lucia Times.

Alfred’s win ended Jamaica’s 16-year dominance in the distance at the Olympics.

“I’m going to start crying. I’ve been trying to stay strong as much as possible. It means a lot to me, my coach, my country, which I’m sure is celebrating now,” Alfred said after winning gold via Olympics.com.

Alfred wins Diamond league title

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that Julien Alfred won the 2024 100m Diamond League title in Brussels, Belgium.

The youngster defeated Richardson again after clocking 10.88 seconds ahead of Dina Asher-Smith and Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith.

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SportsNews

2026 World Cup: Super Eagles waiting for FIFA’s decision – Iwobi

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18 minutes ago

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February 6, 2026

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Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?

The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.

“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”

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Politics

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER

Published

7 days ago

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January 30, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences

to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.

The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.

President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.

“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.

I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.

President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

 

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SportsNews

EPL: Arsenal’s starting XI against Man Utd unveiled

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 25, 2026

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Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.

This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.

The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal’s starting XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.

Substitutes:  Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres.

The kick-off time for the match is 5.30 pm.

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