Hurdler Williams can get it right for the big occasion

PARIS, France

For all that reigning world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams has achieved in her career, getting to her first Olympic Games is something that she cherishes, not just to finally get her shot at the elusive Olympic title, but to continue to build a legacy that she has quietly made for herself.

Williams has won the world title twice, the last one coming last year when she powered out of lane one in Budapest, Hungary, to the surprise of everyone but herself. But finally breaking her Olympic duck at the age of 31 has been the cause of good fortune and staying consistently healthy compared to past Olympic cycles.

“I haven’t had many major issues that had me missing huge blocks of practice just like I have in the past, so I think that has been the key to being here this year,” Williams said.

Williams prefers to save her best for the big occasions, knowing that the main focus is being ready when it matters most.

“Coach always said that we are not the winningest persons when we go on the circuit, and we are not necessarily trying to win every race we go out to. Most of the time we are just working out phases of the races. And so that looks different,” Williams said. “But when it comes to the championships, we expect that all those races in preparation were to get the race together and we should get it right when we step on to the track in the championships, and that has always been the difference for me.”

Even with the success she has, the fire still burns within her to achieve more, not only because of her ambition, but to keep up with the next generation that is elevating the discipline to new heights. She is appreciative about how far talents such as national champion and record holder Ackera Nugent have evolved and pleased that she can still hold her own against the new wave of talent.

“I remember when I just came out on the senior team in 2013, and it was really just like a rebirth. And to see a lot of young athletes stepping up and they are running pretty well. It’s very cool to see, and to see that I am still in the mix at my big age. I’m still there mixing it up with them,” Williams said. “Ackera told me that when she was in high school she had a picture of me, saying she has to beat me. I have come a long way. I have raced the greats, and now I am racing the up and coming. It is very cool for me, and I am very blessed,” Williams said.