"Gunshots throughout the night"- Julien Alfred opens up on her rough childhood as she reflects on using her talent to get out of the 'ghetto'

Paris Olympics gold medalist Julien Alfred opened up about her rough childhood. The athlete from Saint Lucia spoke about the struggles that she had been through as a child and how she used the track as an outlet to get out of poverty.

Julien Alfred stunned the track world after she defeated Sha'Carri Richardson in the women's 100m at the Paris Olympics. She continued her form in the 200m and won the silver medal after finishing behind the USA's Gabby Thomas. These performances etched her name in the history books as she won her country's first-ever Olympic gold medal.

However, her journey toward monumental success was not easy, and the athlete had to overcome many struggles right from her childhood to leading up to her college career. Julien Alfred spoke about her childhood in detail in her appearance in Part 2 of Netflix's documentary series 'Sprint.'

"Never imagined myself here. I grew up in poverty. There would be like, gunshots, like throughout the night. It was a very like rough community, a rough childhood. I just thought that I can use my talent to get out of the ghetto. It's been a hell of a ride," she said.

After excelling as a junior athlete, Alfred got the opportunity to train at the University of Texas at the age of 17 under the guidance of coach Edrick Floreal, who helped her improve and transform her performance according to international standards.

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Julien Alfred on winning her first Olympic Gold medal

Julien Alfred after winning the women's 100m finals at the Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 8 - Source: Getty

Julien Alfred penned an emotional note after winning her first Olympic Gold medal in the women's 100m. The athlete from Saint Lucia took to Instagram to express her thoughts as she reflected on her journey leading up to the quadrennial Games.

"DREAMS DO COME TRUE! 🇱🇨 Winning GOLD in the 100m in Paris is still surreal. The journey has been long, winding, and demanding, but every sacrifice, every tear, and every early morning was worth it," she wrote.

"I’m humbled and grateful for God’s grace and mercy. To my coach, family, friends, and supporters, your unwavering belief in me has meant the world. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey! SAINT LUCIA THAT WAS FOR YOU!!!! I AM THE OLYMPIC CHAMPION🇱🇨🥇," she added.

Furthermore, she thanked her fans and well-wishers for their unwavering support throughout the Olympic games.