Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred is poised to make history on Tuesday as she aims for an Olympic sprint double in the 200m, following her triumph in the 100m. The tiny Caribbean island nation has never had an Olympic medalist before Alfred’s groundbreaking victory.
Alfred’s quest for a double mirrors that of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, who achieved the feat at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Alfred faces stiff competition from US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who boasts the world’s fastest time this year.
Meanwhile, the men’s 1500m promises a thrilling showdown between Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain’s Josh Kerr. Ingebrigtsen has been critical of Kerr’s absence from certain events, while Kerr has vowed to prove his worth on the track.
In boxing, Algeria’s Imane Khelif is at the center of a gender controversy after being disqualified from last year’s world championships. However, the IOC has cleared her to compete in Paris, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
The women’s football competition is heating up, with World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medalists the United States on course for a potential final showdown. Spain faces Brazil in the semifinals, while the rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes takes on Germany.
Track cycling powerhouse Great Britain has already secured gold in the women’s team sprint and will seek to repeat their success in the men’s event. China’s divers are also aiming for a fifth gold in the women’s 10m platform.
In surfing, France’s Kauli Vaast and the United States’ Caroline Marks have already claimed gold medals in the men’s and women’s events, respectively. The USA now leads the overall medal table with 21 golds, ahead of China.
