🔥 Let’s talk about this duo — Melissa Jefferson 🇺🇸 & Julien Alfred 🇱🇨.
Based on this season’s times, Melissa clearly has the edge in the 100m, but she isn’t close in the 200m. That’s where things get tricky… because the queen of the 200m, Shericka Jackson 🇯🇲, is back in the mix. 👑⚡
It’s going to be a real test for Alfred — can she handle this stacked lineup? 👀
After a breakout 2022 where she won the U.S. title in the 100m, Melissa Jefferson has re-established herself as a top-tier contender this season. Her 100m performances in 2025 have been sharp and consistent, clocking sub-10.90s and showing the kind of start that can break open a race. While she’s not the biggest name internationally just yet, she’s peaking at the right time, and the 100m is clearly her weapon.
But the 200m? That’s not her territory — at least, not when the likes of Jackson and Alfred are involved. Jefferson may make the final, but she’s not the threat there. The 100m, though? She’s got the edge over Alfred this season, and that gives her a mental advantage heading into major championship rounds.
Julien Alfred 🇱🇨: All Eyes on Her 🌪️
Julien Alfred is entering a pivotal moment in her career. After a dominant NCAA career and a world-class 2023 campaign — including a World Indoor title — she’s now expected to challenge the best in the world consistently. Her 100m season has been solid, though slightly below expectations. She’s not dominating the 100m like many thought she would, and Jefferson has had the upper hand in recent showdowns.
But where Alfred shines is the 200m. Her transition from the curve to the straight is smooth, her top-end speed is elite, and she’s clocked some of the fastest times in the world this year — but none better than Shericka Jackson.
Shericka Jackson 🇯🇲: The Reigning Queen 👑
Let’s be clear: the 200m is still Shericka Jackson’s event to lose. The defending world champion and second-fastest woman of all time, Jackson is back and ready to defend her throne. She hasn’t lost a step, and even if Alfred is improving, Jackson owns the 200m psychologically and tactically. She’s been there, done that, and runs with cold precision.
Alfred is likely fighting for silver unless Jackson falters. But what makes this fascinating is how Alfred handles the double challenge — keeping pace with Jefferson in the 100m and then turning around to face Jackson in the 200m.
The Test Ahead 🧪
For Alfred, this season is less about dominance and more about resilience and execution under pressure. Can she stay composed against Jefferson’s fast start? Can she close down the likes of Dina Asher-Smith, Gabby Thomas, and Jackson in the 200m final? This is the kind of lineup that reveals what a sprinter is made of.
The stage is set for fireworks. Jefferson wants to announce herself as America’s new sprint queen. Alfred is chasing glory for Saint Lucia and trying to prove she belongs among the world’s elite. And Jackson? She’s defending her crown with the confidence of a seasoned queen.
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