In a season that saw Julien Alfred securing Diamond League victories and running a national record (21.71 in 200m, London), her training largely focused on one goal: World Championships, or the big dance, in her words. She carried with her a hunger, strength, and confidence — that arrived in ample following the Olympic gold  — ready to add to the tally. However, while the opening flashed hope, Alfred now faces an unforeseen enemy, threatening her case as a frontrunner for double gold.

The St. Lucia native had an opening expected of a reigning Olympic champion at the World Athletics Championship. At the 100m heats in Tokyo, she cruised through for the fastest time of 10.93 seconds. A day later, she trailed American winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (10.61) and Jamaican silver medalist Tina Clayton (10.76) for a bronze medal finish with a time of 10.84 seconds. While it marked her first individual world championship podium in the 100m, it fell short of the expectations she had set days earlier — a second consecutive gold (10.76) at the Diamond League, Zurich. The real culprit, though, showed up during the post-race interviews.

“I wasn’t in the right frame of mind, to be quite honest,” she revealed. “Felt my hamstring a little bit in the warmup area before I came out to the final, so that threw me off a little bit.” Now, hours later, journalist Leighton Levy dropped the dreaded possibility on Alfred’s 200m situation. “She will be assessed but she will possibly withdraw from the 200m,” he reported.

The potential withdrawal threatens to derail what was supposed to be a triumphant championship for Alfred, who is also among the favorites in the 200m, an event where she held the joint-ninth fastest time in history. Ironic for someone who tends to prefer medal over time. Regardless, if true, it would be a tough pill to swallow, and not for Alfred alone.

St. Lucia had celebrated “Julien Alfred Day” after her Olympic gold. A motorcade, free concert, and further celebrations at school took over September 27th last year. A possible withdrawal today, threatens to take away another ‘first’ for the country.

They have dealt with injury concerns before when Alfred withdrew from Diamond League meets in Silesia and Lausanne. She had dismissed it then, stating she was “working on things in preparation for the last few races.” This one, however, doesn’t seem to carry anything positive.

Developments on the story:

As of September 14, Julien Alfred has confirmed that she will be pulling out of the 200m event for medical reasons. The Saint Lucia Athletics Association stated that the decision arrives “on the advice of medical professionals and in consultation with her management team.” The assessment reads: a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Per reports, the injury isn’t anything to be concerned about. Twos week’s time may be all that it needs. The 24-year-old St. Lucian, however, who believes she has only just begun, is looking to prioritize her long-term health. Until then the World Championships are ensuring there’s no dull moment.

Taking away the spotlight from Julien Alfred and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden

Tina Clayton stood out at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, grabbing the silver medal in the women’s 100m final with a personal best of 10.76 seconds. The 21-year-old stole the show, and the touching moment she shared with her mother, Tishawna Pinnock, was just the icing on the cake for track fans. Pinnock, feeling a wave of pride, said, “I’m feeling great. I’m so excited. Thank you all for the support.”

This moment wrapped up a lifelong dream for both mother and daughter, and it felt especially meaningful given Pinnock’s own athletic aspirations that didn’t quite pan out. For sure, the family’s journey to this championship moment has been all about amazing perseverance and sacrifice.

Pinnock had to pause her track career at just 16 when she found out she was pregnant with Tina and her twin sister, Tia. However, Pinnock’s unfulfilled athletic dreams were achieved by none other than her daughter.