The Olympic gold is behind me - Julien Alfred sets focus on future goals ahead of World Championships in Tokyo

Saint Lucia's golden girl Julien Alfred has learned to put her historic Olympic gold behind her, focusing on future goals ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.

The talented speedster who made history for her country at the Paris Olympic Games by clinching the women's 100m gold medal - her Saint Lucia's first in history-will be gunning for the same measure of iconic moment at the world championships next month.

Speaking after successfully defending her Diamond League 100m title in Zurich on Thursday, where she clocked an impressive 10.76s, Alfred opened up about her transition from winning Olympic gold to setting new goals for the 2025 season.

"I have tried to put it behind me; it's a new year. I mean, there are new goals that I want to accomplish, and I know that being the Olympic champion, people never allow me to forget," said Alfred in an interview with Athletics Weekly.

She further added: "I mean, my medals, they are in the past already, so I don't really dwell too much on them and think that I've made it or I'm getting very comfortable. However, I'm just taking it one day at a time and trying to focus on what's ahead and not what's behind me."

Alfred's chance at clinching the world title in Tokyo next month will be hugely challenged by newly crowned US double sprint champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who has been in tremendous form this season and is undefeated in the 100m so far.

She has also beaten the Saint Lucian queen twice in the Diamond League this season, and is currently the world leader at 10.65s.

Nonetheless, Alfred will be aware of the threat posed by her American rival and will be determined to win the gold medal, thus promising an exciting clash at the World Championships in Tokyo.