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By Negilla 'Keena' Cenac, KNC Radio
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In an unprecedented development for Saint Lucia, track star Julien Alfred has inked a groundbreaking deal with global sports brand PUMA. The 22-year-old sprint sensation is set to take the world by storm, donning the iconic PUMA logo as she sets foot on the track at the prestigious Diamond League in Monaco.

Hailing from the enchanting island of Saint Lucia, Julien's journey to this momentous occasion has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her recent achievements have sent ripples through the world of athletics, putting Saint Lucia firmly on the map.

Alfred's inspiring rise to prominence began in the US collegiate circuit, where she went undefeated in the 2022 NCAA season, showcasing her prowess in the highly competitive 100 meters event. Her remarkable speed and determination earned her a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 2023, Julien shattered barriers and made history as the first woman in NCAA history to break the elusive seven-second barrier at 60 meters. Her undeniable talent and grit were further evident as she secured her spot as the all-time second fastest indoor sprinter at both 60 and 200 meters.

Recently, Julien's exceptional track record culminated in a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, sparking nationwide celebrations in Saint Lucia. Her achievements have not only brought pride to her island but have also inspired a new generation of aspiring athletes to chase their dreams with unyielding determination.

PUMA, renowned for its longstanding commitment to supporting athletes worldwide, recognized Julien's immense potential and embraced her into their family. The collaboration with PUMA marks a pivotal moment in her career, catapulting her onto the world stage and offering boundless opportunities for future success.

Speaking about the partnership, Pascal Rolling, Head of Sports Marketing at PUMA, expressed his excitement about Julien joining the PUMA family, praising her as an "incredible athlete" who will undoubtedly continue to make history on the track.

Julien herself shared her joy in becoming part of the PUMA legacy, acknowledging the brand's legendary status in athletics. She expressed her conviction that together, they can achieve greatness both on and off the track, carrying forward the spirit of "Forever Faster" that PUMA embodies.

As Julien takes her place on the track at the Diamond League in Monaco, Saint Lucia stands united in support and admiration. The island's collective hopes and well-wishes propel her forward as she represents her nation with grace, strength, and unwavering determination.

For Julien Alfred, this moment is not just about athletic success; it symbolizes a journey that began on the tracks of Saint Lucia, nurtured by the love and support of her people. With PUMA by her side, the sky is the limit, and the world awaits with bated breath to witness her continue to make history and inspire generations to come. Today, we cheer for Julien, not just as an athlete but as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of Saint Lucia.

​By Negilla 'Keena' Cenac, KNC Radio, Editor 

In the captivating realm of athletics, the spotlight often shines brightly on stars who enchant fans worldwide. One such luminary, Sha'Carri Richardson, has become an adored figure in the United States and beyond, mesmerizing audiences with her extraordinary talent. Yet, on the far side of the globe, an impassioned and close-knit nation finds inspiration in their own emerging star, Julien Alfred, whose awe-inspiring triumph on the track has ignited a fervent wave of national pride.

Representing the picturesque island nation of Saint Lucia , Julien Alfred has been making remarkable strides in the sports world. Today, she achieved an extraordinary feat by defeating Sha'Carri Richardson over 100m, marking the first time Richardson faced defeat this season. Alfred's momentous victory unfolded at the Gyulai István Memorial, where she dashed across the finish line in an impressive 10.89 seconds. For the people of Saint Lucia, this triumph transcends mere athletics; it symbolizes an indomitable sense of pride and celebration, adding a radiant glow to the ongoing carnival festivities.

News of Julien Alfred's resounding victory is destined to spread like wildfire, igniting an overwhelming surge of national pride across the island. The entire nation has fervently rallied around their young athlete, displaying an unparalleled sense of unity and unwavering support. In Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia, despite its diminutive size, stands as a testament to the boundless power of determination and hard work.

Julien Alfred's achievements transcend the confines of sports; they embody unwavering dedication and humility. Her exceptional display of talent on the track is only surpassed by her down-to-earth nature and steadfast commitment to her craft. Observers marvel at the striking contrast between her meteoric rise and her unassuming demeanor, rendering her an inspiration not only to her fellow Saint Lucians but also to athletes around the globe.

Despite facing personal challenges, Julien's determination remains steadfast. Her triumph on the track has brought immeasurable joy and hope to a nation that yearned for moments of celebration and positivity.

Julien Alfred's journey has only just commenced, and her success stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and discipline. From her early days of training to her current status as a burgeoning star in the world of track and field, she has maintained an unwavering focus in pursuit of excellence.

The entire nation of Saint Lucia exults in this momentous victory, cherishing every instance of their young athlete's brilliance as she continues to shine and bring glory to their homeland.

In the realm of sports, stories like Julien Alfred's resonate through generations. Her triumphs undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in Saint Lucia and beyond, proving that with dedication and hard work, dreams can indeed become reality.
While Sha'Carri Richardson continues to illuminate the United States, Julien Alfred has etched her own path, igniting the hearts of an entire nation and elevating Saint Lucia's stature on the global stage. The world has taken notice of this emerging star, and there is no doubt that her future is destined for even greater triumphs.

In the face of adversity, Julien Alfred epitomizes that greatness knows no boundaries. Her journey continues to captivate the hearts of her people, serving as a poignant reminder that even the smallest of countries can produce the mightiest of stars.

On Thursday, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-110 to clinch a return to the NBA Finals.

Following a two-year absence, the Warriors won the Western Conference finals 4-1, with Klay Thompson scoring a game-high 32 points.

They are the only team since the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s to reach the Finals six times in eight years.

From June 2, the Golden State Warriors will play either the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat, with Boston having the opportunity to clinch the Eastern Conference finals at home on Friday.

​Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Brazil centre-back Diego Carlos from Sevilla for £26 m pounds

The 29-year-old, who Newcastle United tried to sign in January, will travel to England on Thursday for a medical and to finalise personal terms.

He would be Villa’s second signing of the summer.
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Carlos played six times at last year’s Tokyo Olympics where Brazil won gold.

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been arrested in Brazil for illegally carrying a gun while boarding a private plane to Switzerland.

In a statement on Thursday, local police said they found an undocumented L-W Seecamp .32 gun in the 91-year-old’s luggage during an X-ray screening.

Ecclestone acknowledged owning the gun, but said he was unaware it was in his luggage at the time.

After paying bail Ecclestone was freed to continue his journey to Switzerland.
Ecclestone spent 40 years as the head of Formula 1 before stepping down in 2017.

Antonio Conte will remain as Tottenham head coach next season.

There had been doubt over the Italian staying on, despite Spurs qualifying for the Champions League.

However, the news in midweek that owners ENIC were injecting £150m into the club has allayed fears about whether Tottenham would meet Conte’s demands for improvement.

Conte met director of football Fabio Paratici in Italy today (Fri) and re-affirmed his commitment to the club.
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It remains to be seen whether Conte will be willing to extend his contract.

BRASILIA, Brazil, Weds. Nov 17, 2021 (Reuters) – Former Brazilian soccer player Pele said today he was feeling better “every day,” almost two months after leaving hospital following the removal of a tumor in his colon.

“Friends, it’s been a while since we talked about this. I want to let you know that I’m fine. I feel better every day,” a masked Pele wrote on Twitter.

“I don’t think even the mask for my protection can hide my happiness. Thank you very much to all of you who send me good energy daily.”

His message, however, gave no indication of how his chemotherapy was progressing.

Pele, who turned 81 in October, said in September he would undergo chemotherapy for a tumour that was discovered while undergoing routine medical checks in Sao Paulo.

He later caused fans around the world to fear for his wellbeing after telling them: “I suggest you start to catch your breath to celebrate with me, because with each passing day I get closer to score a goal.”

The former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered a series of health issues over the last decade, particularly with his hip.

Widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, Pele is the only male soccer player to have won three World Cup winner’s medals, lifting the trophy with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
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He scored more than 1,000 goals in a glittering career and transcended sport to become of the most recognizable faces on the planet.

Kyrie Irving is currently unavailable for game action due to his vaccination status. Irving very publicly refused the vaccine and he will continue to do so until the COVID restrictions are lifted in New York. This decision has led to a lot of scrutiny on social media and amongst his peers in the NBA. Despite this, Irving is staying true to his beliefs even if it means handicapping his Nets.

After last night's loss to the Warriors, Nets head coach Steve Nash got to talk about Irving and what his thoughts are on the situation. As Nash explained, he still has a relationship with Irving, however, they are strictly talking pleasantries as opposed to basketball. Needless to say, the head coach isn't trying to pressure his point guard right now.

“Kyrie, I stay in touch with Kyrie but we don’t really talk about basketball just stay in touch and make sure everything is good with him,” Nash said. At this point, that is all that Nash can really do with Kyrie, as the superstar won't be able to touch the floor in his current predicament. It is certainly not ideal, however, the Nets have proven to be pretty good without him this far. Of course, his return certainly wouldn't hurt as the season goes on.

Last night had one of the biggest games of the NBA season thus far as Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors took on the Brooklyn Nets in what was a reunion between Kevin Durant and his former team. In the end, it was the Warriors who came out on top thanks to some heroics from Curry who scored a whopping 37 points in a 117-99 win.
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Kevin Durant had himself an alright game as he scored just 19 points which is certainly a below-average outing for him. After the game, Durant was asked about Curry and how he felt about the game as a whole. While Durant was disappointed with the loss, he had nothing but praise for the Warriors sharpshooter.

"He put in a ton of work. He cares about the game," Durant said. "He loves his teammates and plays with energy. So that's what you get every night with a player like that playing at an MVP, Hall of Fame level. You got to respect it."

"He put in a ton of work. He cares about the game," Durant said. "He loves his teammates and plays with energy. So that's what you get every night with a player like that playing at an MVP, Hall of Fame level. You got to respect it."

Having played three seasons with the Warriors, Durant certainly knows what Curry and the Dubs are all about. They won two titles together, and while they might be rivals now, there is no shortage of respect between the two.

Players at the US Open will have access to resources aimed at supporting their mental health, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced.

Competitors at Flushing Meadows will have access to the tournament's "comprehensive medical services program", which will include access to mental health providers and "quiet rooms" on site.

It comes in response to world No 2 Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open in May, following a dispute with tournament organisers over mandatory media appearances, which she said placed undue pressure on players.

She later disclosed she had suffered from bouts of depression for years.

French Open tournament organisers conceded later that they could do better addressing mental health of the athletes.

"The issue of mental health awareness has been brought to the forefront over the course of the global pandemic, as many individuals, players included, have struggled with the stresses and emotions that have come as a result of COVID-19," said US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster.

Brian Hainline, first vice president of the USTA and a professor of neurology at Indiana University and New York University, said he hoped the program would increase accessibility to mental health support.

"Our goal is to make mental health services as readily available to athletes as services for a sprained ankle - and with no stigma attached," said Hainline. "We will provide an environment that fosters wellness."

Sachia Vickery, a former USTA junior national champion, is the latest player to open up about her mental health.

The world No 206, who is currently taking part in the qualifying tournament for the US Open, took to social media to explain her anxiety and panic attacks.

"I've suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks since February 2020, that has left me hospitalized multiple times which is why I have not played much this year," she said on Twitter.