by Mell P
Julien Alfred is heading into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a new sense of balance. After two demanding years that brought her global acclaim, including World Indoor gold, Olympic 100m gold, 200m silver, and a feature in Netflix’s SPRINT documentary, the Saint Lucian sprint star is shifting her focus toward something deeper: performing for herself.
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Alfred returned to training in early November after a brief off-season that included travel to Germany and responsibilities as a tourism ambassador. Back in Austin, she’s under the familiar guidance of coach Edrick Floreal, and the workload is already intense. “He doesn’t play any games,” Alfred laughed. “But I’m here for it if it’s going to allow me to be my best self come 2026.”
2026 marks Alfred’s third year as a professional, and although conversations about goals have already begun, she’s determined not to let expectations overwhelm her. After experiencing the emotional weight of being an Olympic champion, and the public pressure that followed, Alfred says her biggest objective isn’t a time or a title. It’s mental peace.
“I want to look back after 2026 and feel proud that I wasn’t so hard on myself. That I did it for me. Not to please others. Not to carry pressure. Just to make Julien happy.”
Next year is a “down year,” and Alfred is taking advantage of the freedom to have fun with her event choices. She’ll return to one of her favorite distances — the 60m — and will open at the Millrose Games, where she set the meet record in 2024.
“I love the 60m. It’s something I truly enjoy, so I wanted it to be part of my plans for 2026.”
While World Indoors remains a maybe, Millrose is the confirmed starting point. After a year of training mostly alone, Alfred is eager to regain competition rhythm and rebuild confidence in race execution.
Raised in Saint Lucia, sharpened in Jamaica, and transformed in Texas, Alfred’s path has shaped her resilience. From competing at Jamaica’s Boys and Girls Champs to battling isolation during the pandemic, she’s learned to stand alone — but not to suffer alone. She now leans heavily on her coach, her faith, and her support system.
Her foundation in Saint Lucia — supported through her Puma contract — is another major focus for 2026. It reflects her mission to give back through sports and education, inspired by her own sacrifices.
With potential stops like the Commonwealth Games and World Indoors ahead, expectations from the outside world remain high — but Alfred is taking it one race at a time.
2026 isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about protecting her peace, embracing joy, and building a season on her own terms.
“Once I’m good mentally, everything else will fall into place.”
For Julien Alfred, next year won’t just be a campaign, it will be a reset, a reclamation, and a reminder that greatness isn’t measured only by medals, but by the strength it takes to keep choosing yourself.
