Sprinter Julien Alfred has taken home the Bowerman Trophy.
The Bowerman Trophy
Every year, the most outstanding male and female NCAA track and field athletes get recognized on stage and given the Bowerman Trophy. To comprehend just how much of a high award this is, it’s similar to that of football’s Heisman Trophy.
Some female athletes who have won this trophy in the past have gone on to compete professionally and dominate international competitions. One such athlete is Sha’ Carri Richardson, who won the trophy in 2019 and is currently the current 100-meter sprint world champion. In a similar vein, Raevyn Rogers, who currently holds an Olympic bronze medal, also received this honor in 2017.
Following in the footsteps of these outstanding women is Texas Longhorns sprinter Julien Alfred, who was selected as this year’s awardee.
About Julien Alfred
Although Julien Alfred chose to complete her bachelor’s degree in Texas, she is originally from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.
According to The Voice, Alfred is the first non-American woman to win the prize and only the second woman from Texas to win since Courtney Okolo did so in 2016.
Like Richardson, Alfred dominates three sprint distances: the 60-meter, 100-meter, and 200-meter. She set a new NCAA record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.97 seconds, cementing her position as one of the best collegiate sprinters.
The fact that Alfred was also named the Big 12 Athlete of the Year earlier this year, which is evidence of her crucial role in helping the Longhorns win their first championship since 2004, makes her even more exceptional. The Longhorns won their fifth outdoor track title in June. She was also named the National Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.
International Competitions in 2023
Aside from her collegiate events, Alfred also made her way to the international scene and competed in the Central American and Caribbean Games and World Athletics Championships. In the Carribean Games, Alfred was able to take home the gold medal for her country, Saint Lucia.
In the World Championships, however, Alfred only placed fifth in the 100-meter event with 10.93 seconds and fourth in the 200-meter event with 22.05 seconds.
Nikki Haley Shuts Down VP Speculation: ‘Not even a conversation,’ says former UN Ambassador
Cover Photo: IG