Work, rest and play – Novlene Williams-Mills

Novlene Williams-Mills secured the Diamond Race in the women’s 400m title earlier this month. The Jamaican one-lap star is next up for our work, rest and play questions.

Novlene at work

What is your favourite training session?

NWM: I like repeat 200s and 300s. It all depends on what type of session it is, but those are my favourite.

What is your least favourite training session?

NWM: I hate sprint workouts. Every time we have a sprint workout, I don't want anyone to talk to me at training. The sprinting is so quick for me and I'm more of an endurance 400m runner. I also don't like repeat 600s because when I cross the finish line for the first time, I know I have to do it again!

What are your three favourite things about being an athlete?

NWM: The travel, meeting new people and meeting my fans.

Where is your favourite training venue?

NWM: To be honest, when I trained with Brooks Johnson I liked to train at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney. I used to like the fact we mixed with athletes from the other sports, whether that would be soccer or softball.

What is the worst thing about being an athlete?

NWM: The early morning flights. The other downside is being away from home and my family. I miss them every summer.

Novlene at rest

If you could pick one athlete with whom to relax for a day, who would it be?

NWM: I don't have one person. I'd better not mention any names because I know I'd get in trouble. As long as I can hang out with one of my close friends, I’d be happy.

Describe your perfect day without training.

NWM: I’d sleep in late, grab breakfast with my hubby, relax and catch a movie.

Where is your favourite place to relax?

NWM: Anytime when I am at home on the sofa watching TV I am happy. I just like to relax at home and chill out.

What TV shows do you like to relax to?

NWM: NCIS. I don't like scary programmes, those aren’t my thing and I’m not into daytime drama. I sometimes like talk shows.

What is your favourite meal?

NWM: I love to cook. Sunday is normally the day that I get to spend the most time cooking, so I might cook a curry goat and my husband loves rice and peas.

What is your favourite drink?

NWM: I like to try a mixture. My favourite is a margarita. If I’m relaxing I’ll have one and then after that a couple more!

Novlene at play

When did your interest in Wii begin?

NWM: In 2007 I was trying to buy a gift for my husband when a friend said, ‘why don't you get him a Wii?’ I didn’t think much of the gift but I remember after we first bought it we were up until 3am playing it! I like playing the tennis, the bowling and the Olympic Games. If he beats me on the Wii I always say ‘let's try one more game.’ Then when I win I say, ‘I‘m ready to go to bed now.’ I feel better when I win. I don't like to lose.

Do you have a favourite game?

NWM: I like bowling, although when I wake up the next morning I wonder why my arm is hurting me. My best score is 231.

How have you fared at the Olympic Games (on the Wii)?

NWM: I’ve tried the 400m but I went out too hard and I didn’t have much energy left down the home straight. I love the hurdles and I’m always wondering if I can beat my best time. When my friends come over we have a big old party playing the Wii. It is a lot of fun.

Have you played the Wii with any other athletes?

NWM: Yes with Kenia Sinclair (Jamaican 800m runner) and Korene Hinds (Jamaican steeplechaser). When we play we try to make it fun.

Which athlete from the world of track and field would make the best Wii player?

NWM: Everyone is so competitive, I'm not sure. I hope it is me.

Steve Landells for the IAAF