Briana Williams Places 3rd Against Pros At Racers Grand Prix


(Briana Williams Post-Race Interview: Video Courtesy Of TrackAlerts)

Briana Williams breezed through high school competition this year in the 100 meter dash. The Northeast High School sophomore started out 2018 with a US#4 A-T mark and world age group record of 11.13 at Bob Hayes, followed by a Carifta Games meet record, a 3A state championship, Adidas Dream 100 win, and a victory at the Great Southwest Classic.

This weekend, she had her first taste of professional competition at the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica with her idol and Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann-Fraser-Pryce racing in the lane right beside her. Williams, undefeated on the season couldn't keep up with the six time Olympic medalist (11.10) or former NCAA champion and Oregon star Jenna Prandini (11.14), finishing third in 11.26s, the third fastest time of her career behind her 11.25 at the state meet and 11.13 at Bob Hayes.

"I am tough on her, but I couldn't have been more pleased," said a proud coach Ato Boldon." It was maybe her best start of the year, but she admitted to me she got rattled by Shelly Ann mid-race. That's her idol. Who among us can enter the ring with our idol?



Boldon added that the race showed him they have more work to do in the lab including improving her top end speed. The Trinidad and Tobago Olympian and current NBC analyst wasn't overly concerned though.

"She'll be fine," he said. Nothing matters to me this year except world U20. That's where she will be at her best.