Texas track coach Edrick Floreal tackled after Julien Alfred beats Sha’Carri Richardson for Olympic gold in 100m final

There might not be a better reaction to Julien Alfred ‘s historic gold medal win at the Women’s 100m final on Saturday than her coach, Edrick Floreal .

Floreal, who coached Alfred at Texas , was tackled during the exciting aftermath of the Alfred’s victory over Team USA stars Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson . He popped up and embraced those around him.

The pure elation he showed after the win can be seen through his mask. Watch below:

Most recently, Floreal led Alfred to running the fastest times in NCAA history in both the 100m (10.72) and the 200m (21.73). To win Olympic gold, she matched that 10.72-second time on Saturday.

Alongside Rhasidat Adeleke , the duo were a part of the 4×100 team the defended its NCAA title with a time of 41.60 with Kevona Davis and Ezinne Abba . The group broke their own collegiate record three times during the 2023 outdoor season with 41.55, 41.89 and 42.00-second performances throughout the year.

After winning gold on Saturday, Alfred and Floreal had to shift their focus quickly, as Alfred’s went on to compete in Heat 1 of the Women’s 200m on Sunday morning. She placed first in the even with a 22.41-second time, slower than her personal best at Texas — but more than enough to advance her to the semifinals.

She does has some time to rest, as her heat-winning time allows her to move on and compete in the semifinals of the event, which won’t be held until Monday at 2:45 p.m. ET. If she advances to the final — which many predict her to do — it will be held on Tuesday at 3:40 p.m. ET.

Regardless of her performance in the 200m, being the woman to unseat the 2023 World Champion in the 100m in Sha’Carri Richardson is no small feat. Not only did Alfred get the better of Richardson to win the gold, she also bested her in the semifinal as well. Richardson trailed mightily in the middle of the race before battling her way back to win silver. Jefferson was right there with them to give the United States two spots on the podium.

Still, Saint Lucia has now been awarded their first-ever Olympic medal — and it just so happens to be gold courtesy of Alfred’s strong performance.

For the rest of Track & Field action, it will continue through the final day of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Aug. 11.

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