Julien Alfred: Saint Lucia's sprint queen set for season opener in familiar event

Saint Lucia's golden girl Julien Alfred is set to make her competitive return this Saturday, to begin her 2026 season.

The reigning Olympic 100m champion has been confirmed for the Woo Pig Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on February 7, which comes after she withdrew from the Millrose Games on February 1, sparking brief speculation about her fitness.

In Fayetteville, it represents a strategic return to a familiar environment -the Randal Tyson Track Center, where Alfred dominated during her collegiate years with the University of Texas.

Alfred's entry into the Woo Pig Classic signals her readiness to compete and fine tune her preparations ahead of the world indoor championships in March.

The world 200m silver medallist boasts a personal best of 6.94s in the 60m, making her the joint second-fastest woman in history over the distance.

With no major outdoor global championships scheduled for 2026, her primary goals in the indoor season will be to challenge the world record of 6.92s and regain her world indoor title last won in her breakthrough year in 2024.