Lauryn Williams wins first US gold
17 July 2002 - Lauryn Williams was the shortest of the eighth 100m finalists today but she was also the fastest. She was the fastest out of the blocks and the fastest at the finish line, which she crossed in a new personal best of 11.33.
“I am very excited about what I have done today. This was my last race of the season and I am very excited to finish on such a great note. I won the World Junior championships gold and set a new personal best. What else could I ask for?”
A very powerful sprinter who physically reminds us of her homonym Angela Williams - second at these same Championships in 1998 - Lauryn had a poor reaction time but an excellent couple of first strides, which helped put her in front by the 50 metres mark, despite the attack of Jamaican local favourite Simon Facey who eventually clocked a new personal best of 11.43.
“It was good, the atmosphere was great. All the competitors were fast and this certainly gave me an extra boost.”
Lauryn who frankly admitted she was aiming at a sub 11.2 performance tonight had no doubt about who her role model would be.
“Oh, I liked Flo-Jo, the way she ran. But I mainly admire Gail Devers. Overcoming the difficulties, injuries and illnesses she suffered and still running at the top as she is doing is amazing.”
Lauryn who explained how the mental preparation for this race was draining but essential, actually met Gail Devers three years ago.
“She was great! She told me never to give up, to remain focus all the time. She told me that dreams can come true and that if I remain healthy and injury-free I can do great things. From then on I started believing in myself.”
Under the eye of Amy Deen, her coach at the university of Miami and despite her very young age, Lauryn is already on a very busy training schedule. She goes to the track six days a week and she goes to the gym for some weight training three times a week.
“Recently though, I have reduced my schedule. I have had a very busy schedule and with the Championships approaching I needed to save some energy.”
Ready for a six weeks break - at last she says! - she is all smiles when revealing that she will now be able to eat ice creams and potato chips to her heart’s content.
