This is Stuart Weir’s second story for Day 1 of the Diamond League Finals, September 13, 2024. Stewart wrote about the women’s 100m final.
Women’s 100 m
The women’s 100m had the feel of the end of the year. Julien Alfred won in 10.88 to confirm his brilliant season. He has won Olympic 100m, World Indoor 60m, Monaco Diamond League, etc. and a number of second places, including the Olympic 200 m.
Alfred said. “I am so happy. It feels amazing to finish my season on a good note and win. I’m just so proud of myself. My preparation was a bit difficult. It was really hard for me after Zurich (he was second in 10.88). But I think it actually prepared me for Brussels. It gave me the energy to perform so well today. During the run I tried to relax and enjoy my last race of the season. But losing in Zurich stopped me again. I had to give a speech. I wanted to prove that I deserved to be here and that it wasn’t a one-time thing. Because after Zurich, I read a few comments saying that I’m a one-off, and that’s really not a nice thing to say. But I was here to prove to myself that I could win. But sometimes those comments can be harsh.”
Dina Usher-Smith, second in 10.92, said she would have liked to win herself but was happy that she and her training partner (Alfred) were first and second. He added to his assessment of the year. “Paris was disappointing for me. It’s annoying, but I was happy after fixing it. So, one day, it’s been a good year.”
Daryl Neita, who finished fourth in the 100 and fifth in the 200 at the Paris Olympics in 11.14, admitted he was “glad to get through it healthy in one piece because it was absolutely freezing and I wanted to run all my layers I did my best tonight, but I’m excited about the season I’ve had. Not so much after the championships, but I wanted to show myself that I can continue and next year is going to be a really long season.”
Sha Curry Richardson was eighth in 11.23, but was in good spirits afterward, delighting her young fans by posing for plenty of selfies.
