I wish I competed at Champs – Williams

Jamaica’s World Under-20 sprint double gold medallist Briana Williams says that she is aiming to run a personal best in the 100m this season as she seeks to secure a spot on Jamaica’s senior team to this year’s IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Williams, who has a personal best time of 11.13 seconds in the 100m and 22.50 in the 200m, told The Gleaner in an interview that she plans to go much faster this season.

“My expectations are to run 11 seconds as soon as possible and to make the World Championships team,” said Williams. “I am training hard and focusing.”

Williams, who has a personal best time of 22.50 seconds in the 200m event, finished fifth in the women’s 100m final at the National Championships last year.

She noted that she has benefited a lot from that experience and so she is a lot more confident competing against the seniors.

“Running against professionals helps me for my other track meets, so that is why when I was going to World Under-20 Championships, I was confident that I would do well because I had run against the best already,” Williams said.

Williams, who attends high school in Florida, is currently in the island attending the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

The diminutive 17-year-old sprinter added that she wished she had been able to compete at Champs.

A bit upset

“I am upset, yes. That is how life goes. I am sorry I didn’t get to compete here,” Williams said.

“I am coming to Champs to watch since 2014 and I have really enjoyed Champs and the experience. We have great athletes, and competition among the schools is very intense,” said Williams.