Continuing today with Olympian Lauryn Williams on Youth Track….If you didn’t read part one Read it now!
TM Did you every compete in a USATF Junior Olympics or Junior World Games?
LW Yes In 2002 or was it 2003 any way, I was the Junior Outdoor Champion in the 100m. But even then I still didn’t focus on the winning as such it was still very much for the fun of it.
TM When did you begin to feel like you could possibly have a college career in track and field?
LW Honestly, I began to think I could go to college in my senior year. I always flew somewhat under the radar because of my other sports. I was pretty good not as great as some yet. The idea became very attractive to me coming from such a large family, I knew there would be a way to get to college or at least it would be tough on my parents with so many others needing to attend as well. I started getting letters and I got excited about the prospect.
TM Where did you get letters from?
LW Oh, lots of east coast schools, one from Cal Berkeley. I knew I wanted to be warm. I was tired of training in the cold. I was done with that if I could help it. When I went to California for a visit it was damp and very cold too, and I thought no way I am going to Miami. I was honored to get a chance to get an education and I wanted to work hard for my coaches who had given be the chance to be the best I could be. I was happy to go to practice in the warmth of the sun.
TM Was there ever a time you wanted to quit track while a youth or a pro?
LW Nah, never. Once I was running on a team from middle school until now I have loved the pursuit.
TM How was your transition to college from high school track?
LW You ask some good questions. It was tough at first. They give you a piece of paper with what is expected of you in the off time and expect you to be in condition starting training season in the fall…I was not use to that and I didn’t have a very strong work ethic in the beginning .I always got by on my raw talent. That wasn’t going to work in college .I quickly straightened up my act because I didn’t want to be left behind. I enjoyed my time as a college student athlete.
TM When did you consider that you might have a shot at the 2004 Olympics?
LW Honestly I just didn’t think about it a lot, I didn’t even consider it until 2004 when I got there.
TM What thoughts would you like to leave with the parents to help their children be the best they can in track and field?
LW I have a few things:
Once while at a Foot Locker Invitational, Marion Jones was signing autographs and my mom ask me if I wanted to run over and get one.
I said “Why mom? She’s just like me and one day I want to beat her. She eats, sleeps and breathes just like me” and frankly even though I ran track I wasn’t a big fan of track so I barely new who she was any way. So first of all……..
1. Be you. Look to do your best. You will always have goals to achieve and look forward to that way. The rest will follow.
2. Parents be supportive. I so appreciate my parents with me even now on my journey. Don’t be critical of a performance be hopeful for the next.
3. Don’t be to intense. This only makes for distraction and decreased focus.
4. Remember they are kids. They are developing and it’s a process celebrate where they are at today.
5.Kid grades are as important as a PR. Help them reach for both in excellence.
6. Have fun at big meets, take time to see and do something’s away from the track when possible. It helps the athlete relax for a moment or two.
7. Don’t limit their sports experience let them do more than one early on no need to specialize to early.
TM What would you say to young girls and boys who participate in track and field?
LW 1. Make sure you keep your grades GOOD. Colleges love good grades not just fast legs.
2. Enjoy your friends and the places you go. Make new friends everywhere you go.
3. Enjoy your teammates.
4. Develop a good work ethic. Hard work always pays off.
5. Learn to focus when necessary, relax when needed.
6. Don’t waste your practice time. It can lead to a waste of your competion time.
7. Never give up. If you aren’t doing as well as you would like be patient for your time.
8. Work toward pursuing your goals each and every day.
9. Focus on being the best in your sport and in life. Sports are part of life not one’s entire life.
10. Participate in multiple sport you enjoy for fun and recreation. Never stop having fun!
Well the traffic finally broke through and Lauryn walked in the gym in Miami to work out and our time was finished…..
Thanks to Lauyrn Williams for allowing me the opportunity to share her insights on youth track and field. Lauryn promises more talk on track again soon. I can’t wait
Until Next Time
Lorraine Williams
“Little” Lauren’s TrackMom
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