The celebrations for Saint Lucia’s golden girl are seemingly ceaseless. On Wednesday, in Asunción, the capital and largest city of Paraguay, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee was recognised by Panam Sports for its performance at Paris 2024, thanks to the exploits of Julien Alfred.
Saint Lucia’s four-member team included sailor Luc Chevrier, swimmer Jayhan Odlum-Smith, and 400m runner Michael Joseph. But only Alfred, the 23-year-old sprinter from Ciceron, made the medal rounds in her events. Saint Lucia and Alfred were applauded for winning gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at Paris 2024.
Close to two months since Alfred’s exploits at the Stade de France, and days after a whirlwind week of celebrations culminating in Julien Alfred Day, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and Panam Sports president Neven Ilic presented a commemorative trophy to Saint Lucia Olympic Committee president, Alfred Emmanuel.
Ilic was re-elected president of the Pan American Sports Organization, and Saint Lucia’s Emmanuel was elected to the Executive Board, as part of the body’s LXII General Assembly.
“I want to thank all those who supported me, for allowing me to finish this project,” said Ilic. “These elections are over and I can say that we are a great group. Everyone is part of this project. Of course, I thank my friend Keith Joseph. We will continue working so that the Americas remain a stellar continent.”
Sarah Hirshland (USA), Veda Bruno Victor (Grenada), and Camilo Perez (Paraguay) were elected vice presidents in each of their groups.
In addition to the presentation to Saint Lucia, a presentation was also made to the Dominica Olympic Committee, under whose auspices Thea Lafond-Gadson won the women’s triple jump at Paris 2024.
(TF)
