Back to good health, Williams hoping to go fast again
Published:Wednesday | June 7, 2023 | 12:07 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
WHILE IT has not been an ideal season for sprinter Briana Williams so far, being able to keep out of the treatment room for the past few weeks has been beneficial enough for her to get into ideal shape with the National Championships four weeks away.
Williams finished third in the women’s 100m B final at the Racers Grand Prix on Saturday, clocking 11.30 as she continues to find her form in her first season with Titans Track Club.
Williams has struggled with injuries so far this season, which has limited her on the circuit but she has recently got back to racing consistently, finishing second on May 20 at the JAAA All Comers Meet in 11.20, although she did not finish at the Los Angeles Grand Prix on May 27.
However, she says she sees Saturday’s performance as a step in the right direction to get her where she needs to be for the National Trials.
“I’ve been healthy for the past few weeks and that has been the main goal. because since February I have been dealing with injuries and it has been setting me back a lot,” Williams said.
“I’m just glad to have run these races without any injuries and I am glad that I have a great team to help me get back to 100 per cent”
She is targeting to get a few more races in between now and the National Championships as she seeks to get spots for both the 100m and 200m in a field that is expected to throw up a dogfight for places.
When asked about the ever-heightening expectations to carry the torch for women’s sprinting as the standard-bearers such as multiple Olympic and world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the twilight of her career, Williams is committed to focusing on being the best version of herself.
“There is a lot of pressure, but I am not going to let it get to me because I know that can bring me down. I just have to ignore what others say and just keep training and focusing on my goals for this season and beyond,” Williams said.
Williams was edged out of the top three places in the 100m last year at the National Championships despite clocking a personal best time of 10.94. Grateful for the strong support system that she has around her, Williams is banking on that to take her back to the World Championships, but as an individual competitor.
“I have a great crew around me that pushes me every day. I have a team that believes in me. I just have to get to my goals.”