PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Former World Champion sprinter Lauryn Williams, of the USA, has urged Trinidad and Tobago’s juniors to be disciplined and focussed in their pursuit of track and field excellence.
Speaking at a clinic for young female runners at the Athlete’s Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium Saturday, Williams declared that her trials in the sport made her a better person.
“Sport teaches us so much in life. You learn that things will not always go your way and that sometimes, you can do everything possible to be prepared and still come up short,” said Williams, who has been involved in three relay mishaps while representing USA.
“It’s a testament to your character if you can block out the negative detractors and get back up,” she said.
In T&T — the birth-place of her late father — to connect with her extended family members, whom she had not seen in 15 years, Williams said she hoped the clinic would inspire young athletes. Speaking to the audience, Williams said that a balanced diet was the foundation for a successful career.
“You need to invest in your body and make sure that you develop healthy eating habits. There are consequences for eating cheese burgers, French fries and ice-cream. In T&T, you are lucky. You can pick fruits from the trees. In the States, we have to pay $5-$6 for a mango.”
She also warned the girls not to let their social lives get in the way of achieving their goals
“Track and boys do not mix,” she said.
Her career highlights have included a silver medal in the 100 metres at the 2004 Summer Olympics, gold medals in the 4×100 relay in 2005 and 2007 World Championships and gold and silver medals in the 100 in the 2005 and 2007 editions of the meet respectively.
She is currently setting her sights on the 2012 Olympics in London. A former student at the University of Miami where she studied finance, Williams went on to achieve her Masters in Business Administration.
After retirement, she plans to enter the corporate world so that she can be in a position to “help people”.
The clinic was organised with the help of her friend, former T&T multi-Olympic Games medal winner Ato Boldon.
Boldon noted that Williams, who won the 100 metres at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Jamaica in 2002, was one of the few athletes who have successfully made the transition from junior to senior level.