Julien Alfred’s Controversial Win Over Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Validated as CANOC President Picks Sides

Women in sports are really making a name for themselves, with some athletes becoming household names year after year, while others are just starting to get the recognition they deserve. It's great to see equal opportunities for all, as we've seen with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Julien Alfred. Sydney's been dominating since 2018, but Julien really burst onto the scene this year, especially after her performance at the Paris Olympics. Even though Julien is newer to fame, she's now being recognized alongside the best.

Julien Alfred made history at the Paris Olympics by winning gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters, becoming the first athlete from St. Lucia to medal at the Games. However, her achievement has sparked some debate, especially around the prestigious "Female Track Athlete of the Year" award. Julien and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are both finalists for the World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year Award. But with the winner still up in the air, there's a lot of buzz around Julien already clinching it. CANOC has already thrown its full support behind her, making a strong case for why she deserves to win.

Can Alfred defeat Levrone for World Athlete of the Year? The winner of the 2024 World Athletics Women's Track Athlete of the Year will be released on the 1st of December, and both Julien Alfred and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone deserve it. Julien became the first Olympic champion for Saint Lucia, while Sydney not only set the 400m hurdles world record but also participated and contributed to Team USA's 4 x 400 meters relay gold.

The CANOC President Keith Joseph has come out in full support of Julien, praising her achievements and the significance of her rise. "For the very first time in decades, a Caribbean athlete, not from any of the larger islands and with a population of less than 150,000, is among the finalists. We are here referring to St Lucia's track and field gem, Julien Alfred... who has literally stormed into the sporting history of her native land," Joseph said. He highlighted how Julien's success has put Saint Lucia on the map in a way that hasn't been seen in years.

Joseph further traced Julien's incredible journey, recalling her early promise in athletics and the triumphs that led to her place on the world stage. Joseph also expressed that Julien's achievements represent more than just personal success; they impact Caribbean athletes on the global stage. "We are generally considered small, even micro in some cases, but we are aware of which nations in our midst are the smallest and the very special challenges they face," Joseph added. As December 1 approaches, Julien has certainly earned her place among the best, and CANOC is proud to stand behind her. But the big question is—can she edge out Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Julien Alfred's Unstoppable Rise Sydney McLaughlin Levrone has made quite an impact from her early years. She isn't simply shattering records; she's reshaping history itself! She has smashed the world record in the 400-meter hurdles five times, with her standout achievement being her 50.68-second sprint at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She won two gold medals in the 400-meter hurdles at both the Tokyo and Paris 2024 Olympics and created history by being the first woman to defend her Olympic title in the event. But the motive behind her running is, "I was just treating it like this was my first time here and trying to go for it the same way."

But when Levrone won the gold medal in Paris, she expressed, "Blessed, honestly. And excited. It's a surreal moment. But now an amazing, amazing opportunity. And I'm grateful."

However, Julien Alfred, from Saint Lucia, has been gaining attention for her achievements in track and field events from the beginning of her career. She clinched the gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. Followed it up with a silver in the 100-meter event at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Not stopping there, she made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first athlete from Saint Lucia to secure an Olympic medal. But what motivates her? "My motivation is to be the best in the world, to be my best self, the best athlete I can be, and to prove to myself that I belong here. That's my source of motivation," she said.

Alfred's impressive feat of winning gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters earned her the title of "fastest woman in the world." It was truly unforgettable when she completed the 100-meter final in 10.72 seconds, marking a moment in track and field history! Sydney and Julien have undoubtedly proven themselves deserving of their positions at the pinnacle of the sport.