Tokyo Olympics relay gold medalist Briana Williams is embarking on an ambitious journey this year, as she sets her sights on competing in both the 100m and 200m events.
Speaking with the media at the launch of the 2024 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships in Kingston, Williams shared her aspirations for what she considers a pivotal phase in her career.
Expressing her determination, Williams emphasized her personal goals, stating, “I am doing this to raise the flag of Jamaica in Paris, and I am really focused on this year, doing everything I can to just give myself the glory and to fulfil the dream that I have had since I was little.”
Williams remains resolute in her pursuit of success
Despite facing public criticism in recent times, Williams remains resolute in her pursuit of success. Reflecting on her recent performance at the World Indoor Championships, where she bowed out in the semi-finals, Williams remains undeterred, focusing instead on returning to her best form in the 200m event.
Highlighting her passion for the 200m, Williams expressed her desire to excel in the event, aiming to build upon her previous achievements, including her victory at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland.
In preparation for her ambitious goals, Williams is dedicated to improving her fitness and speed, focusing on toning her body and being in the best shape of her life. With determination and confidence, she sets her sights on conquering both the 100m and 200m races, aiming for success in the upcoming season.
Tokyo Olympics relay gold medalist Briana Williams is set to make waves this year as she gears up for an ambitious dual challenge – competing in both the 100m and 200m events. Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at the launch of the 2024 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Wednesday, Williams shared her plans for what she considers a pivotal year in her burgeoning career.
“This year is a very big year. I owe myself a lot. I am not thinking about what the crowd or people have to say; I’m doing it for me,” expressed Williams who has had to face her fair share of public criticism in recent times.
“I am doing this to raise the flag of Jamaica in Paris, and I am really focused on this year, doing everything I can to just give myself the glory and to fulfill the dream that I have had since I was little – to be in Paris. I really want to make myself, my mother, my family, my coaches, and Jamaica proud. I really owe it to myself, and I feel like I can do it.”
At the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland that concluded last weekend, Williams produced times of 7.22 and 7.19, which saw her bow out at the semi-finals, a step back from her 2022 campaign in Belgrade where she was fifth in the finals in a lifetime best of 7.04.
Williams emphasized that she is not overly concerned about what happened in Glasgow as her primary focus this year is on returning to her best form in the 200m. Reflecting on her indoor achievements, she explained, “I wasn’t really preparing for World Indoors. I am opening up next week in the 200m (Velocity Fest) and I really want to focus on that this year because the 200 holds a special place in my heart because I feel like the last time I had a great 200m was in 2018 and that was when I really fell in love with it so I want to pick up back from there and continue to excel in the 200m.”
At the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, Williams won both the 100m and 200m, the latter in what was then a championship record of 22.50, which still remains a lifetime best for the soon-to-be 22-year-old.
To achieve her goals this year, Williams said she is also honing in ramping up her fitness.
“I am focusing on toning my body this year and being in the best shape of my life. It’s not going to happen overnight, but I have been seeing the progress, and so we are just focusing on speed now, running these races and winning,” she affirmed confidently.