#Carifta2022 | Calm approach leads to U-20 discus title for Cedricka Williams
Published:Monday | April 18, 2022 | 12:07 AM
A more tranquil approach is what Jamaica’s Cedricka Williams is crediting for her success after she shook off her ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships (Champs) disappointment to capture gold for her country at the 2022 Carifta Games.
Williams took the Under-20 girls’ discus title on Saturday night with a winning throw of 51.24 metres on her final attempt, leading a one-two podium finish for Jamaica. Her teammate, Briannia Johnson, was second with 49.74m, and Princesse Hyman of Guadeloupe pocketed bronze with 47.55m.
Final chance
Williams did not taste medal success in the discus at Champs, finishing seventh in the Class One girls’ event for Holmwood Technical. With her final chance at improving her silver-medal position at Carfita looming, Williams said that maintaining her composure was vital, albeit difficult.
“I am still working on it (competing more relaxed), but I tried to be a bit calmer,” Williams told The Gleaner.
That calmness, which helped to power her to victory, she says, is just one element of the tireless efforts that she has put in this season.
“I put in the work. I stayed focused on what I had to do. I believe in my coaches. I believe in God and put Him forth in everything that I do,” Williams said.
The additional prize for Williams is leading a Jamaican podium finish with Johnson ensuring that no other country could get close to the title this year in front of the home crowd. Williams exuded national pride in her win, happy to reward the Jamaican support who watched the drama unfold.
“It means a lot to me to come out here in my hometown and no one here to beat me from any other country. It’s great,” Williams said.
Williams finished fourth in yesterday’s Girls’ Under-20 shot put final with a throw of 12.13m. Her teammate, Johnson, claimed another silver medal, finishing with a throw of 14.19m. The event was won by Treneese Hamilton of Dominica with a best of 14.58m.