Reigning Olympic women’s 100-meter champion, Julien Alfred, began her 2026 season in a spectacular fashion by sprinting to gold in the 60 meters, competing at the Woo Pig Classic at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville.
Alfred crossed the finish line in 7.00 seconds, ahead of the University of Arkansas’ duo of Asia Thomas (7.37) and Taejha Badal (7.41), who took second and third place, respectively.
This year, it is the fastest time in the world in the event.
This was the first time the 24-year-old St. Lucian had competed in the 60 metres since she took gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 2024.
It was also her first competitive race since the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September, where she claimed bronze in the 100 meters.
Alfred continued her impressive build-up to next month’s World Indoor Championships with another stellar performance, this time at the Tyson Invitational as she sprinted to a world-leading time of 6.99 seconds in the 60 meters to cop the gold title.
It broke the previous meet record of 7.02 seconds, which was set by Tiana Madison of the USA in 2012.
The USA’s Jacious Spears finished second in 7.03 seconds while Brianna Lyston took home bronze in 7.07 seconds.
Meanwhile, T&T’s Jereem “THE DREAM” Richards produced a fine run in the Championship Men’s 400 meters event, finishing first in his section and second overall, as he clocked 45.56 seconds. Top spot went to Khaleb McRae in 44.52 seconds.
T&T’s Kelsey Daniel finished second in the Tyson Invitational Championship Men’s long jump with 8.14 meters.
