MINISTER SAYS UNIFIED SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT CAN PROPEL A YOUNG TALENT TO EXTRAORDINARY HEIGHTS.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred's historic achievements are hailed as a powerful testament to the adage, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' As Saint Lucia and the world continue to celebrate Alfred's remarkable accomplishments at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister, Hon. Joachim Henry stressed the vital lesson the star athlete's success embodies—the collective support of an entire community.
Minister Henry said Alfred's journey from the South Castries community of Ciceron to Olympic glory is a shining example of how unified support and commitment can propel a young talent to extraordinary heights. Surrounded by a network of individuals who recognized and nurtured her potential, Alfred's accomplishments are not solely her own but a reflection of the collective dedication of her village.
The minister said Alfred's story reinforces the importance of investing in the youth and fostering supportive environments within every community. Minister Henry suggests that the concept of “the village” is more powerful than it is given credit for and that we need to harness its full potential.
"Julien Alfred's return home is about accentuating that very point, that the village is alive, and we must use it. In the case of Julien Alfred, it may have started with people in the community identifying her talent, Twatenay providing support, and others coming on board to guide her; for example, she went to Jamaica, then a minister came to the Olympics provided support, and many others participated in putting this together."
Julien Alfred made history by becoming Saint Lucia's first-ever Olympic Gold and Silver medalist. She secured Gold in the 100 meters with a new national record of 10.72 seconds and Silver in the 200 metres, propelling Saint Lucia into the global spotlight. Earlier this year, she also won Gold in the 60 metres at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, further cementing her legacy as an extraordinary athlete.
The nation eagerly awaits Julien Alfred's return on September 24, 2024, to honor her outstanding achievements and celebrate the collective effort that made them possible.
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