Julien Alfred claims first Diamond League victory of season

Saint Lucia’s sprint sensation Julien Alfred opened her season with a commanding win in the women’s 100 metres at the sixth leg of the Wanda Diamond League, held at the Bislett Games in Oslo.

Alfred, 24, surged ahead of a strong field to clock 10.89 seconds, taking first place ahead of Marie-Josée Ta Lou Smith of the Ivory Coast, who finished in 11.00 seconds. Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain rounded out the podium in 11.08 seconds.

Despite a slower reaction at the start, Alfred powered through the middle phase of the race to claim a decisive victory. The performance not only marks a winning debut to her outdoor season but also reinforces her status as one of the top contenders in her Diamond League title defense.

Elsewhere on the track, Cuba’s Reynier Mena captured gold in the men’s 200 metres, crossing the line in 20.20 seconds. He held off a late challenge from Timothe Mumenthaler of Switzerland, who finished in 20.27, while Canada’s Andre De Grasse secured the bronze in 20.33 seconds.

In the women’s triple jump, Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts produced a strong performance to earn silver with a leap of 14.57 metres, narrowly behind Leyanis Perez Hernandez of Cuba, who won the event with 14.72 metres. Jasmine Moore of the United States jumped 14.41 metres to take third place.

The men’s triple jump saw a standout performance from Jamaica’s Jordan Scott, who took the top spot with a mark of 17.24 metres. Pedro Pichardo of Portugal finished second with 17.06 metres, while Germany’s Max Heb claimed third with a jump of 16.96 metres.

Thea LaFond, Olympic gold medalist representing Dominica, placed fifth in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 14.26 metres. Ackelia Smith of Jamaica also recorded 14.26 metres, finishing sixth on countback.

In the women’s 400 metres, it was a disappointing outing for Barbados’ Sada Williams, who placed last in a highly competitive final. The world bronze medalist clocked 50.94 seconds, well off her best.

Isabella Whittaker of the United States took victory in a strong 49.58 seconds, followed closely by Henriette Jaeger of Norway in 49.62. Amber Anning of Great Britain secured third with 50.24 seconds.

The Bislett Games offered a glimpse of form and momentum ahead of a crucial summer, with several Caribbean and international athletes making strong statements on the road to upcoming championships.

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