'I don't want to use the word revenge'- Julien Alfred insists ahead of clash against Sha'Carri Richardson

Reigning Olympic champion Julien Alfred has opened up about her highly anticipated clash against Sha’Carri Richardson at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels on Friday, September 13.

Alfred will line up against a stacked field, including her training mate Dina Asher-Smith, Daryl Neita, Mariee Josee Ta Lou-Smith and Richardson. However, fans are excited to see her race against Richardson for the final time this season.

Alfred beat the American, who was a huge favourite to win at the Paris Olympic Games in the women’s 100m and proceeded to claim a silver in the women’s 200m behind Gabby Thomas. Richardson eased her Paris Olympics pain with a win over the sprint sensation from St. Lucia at the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich.

The duo now goes up against each other with each one hoping to have the last laugh. However, in an interview with Athletics Weekly, Alfred insisted that she would not be out to seek revenge.

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“I don’t want to use the word revenge. I never run against anyone, I do it for myself and just want to finish the season in style. For the same reason, I’m not focused on times either,” Alfred said ahead of the clash.

She opened up about her dreams of being like the fastest man alive Usain Bolt and drawing inspiration from multiple world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Alfred disclosed that despite spending much of her time in Jamaica growing up, she has yet to meet the legendary Bolt.

The 24-year-old is currently on the right trajectory of being like her role models as she chases more success in upcoming seasons.

“I’ve always wanted to be Usain Bolt, ever since I was little. He was more than my idol. It’s incredible what he has achieved in his career. Unfortunately, I have never met him. I also look up to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce very much,” she added.