‘She Proved Them Wrong!’

Residents in the area now affectionately called ‘Julien Alfred Avenue’ have expressed immense pride in the achievements of the double Olympic medallist who once lived in the area. Monkey Town, Ciceron welcomed Alfred this week for the first time since her historic performance in Paris this past August. Alfred, who grew up in this socio-economically challenged community, defied the odds to become a world-renowned athlete. Upon her return to her home community on Tuesday evening, she was visibly moved by the overwhelming love and support from residents. Many who have known her since childhood were thrilled that Alfred’s success had positively impacted the neighborhood and uplifted the residents’ spirits. “Well, I’m very proud as a Ciceronian,” proclaimed one female resident. “I’m very happy for her. Ciceron is not really a community people have  mentioned or talked about and now we have a reason.” “She did very well and that’s an inspiration for the younger children to do something because Ciceron used to have a stigma about violence and crime and different things,” another observer reflected. “She proved them wrong.” One of the interviewed residents emphasised that Alfred’s hard work and determination, despite her circumstances, can inspire others. “Julien Alfred has...