Q&A with All-American Lauryn Williams
May 24, 2002
CORAL GABLES, Fla (www.hurricanesports.com) –
BIG EAST Champ Lauryn Williams took a few moments to share her thoughts and goals before competing in the NCAA Tournament. Here’s what she said…
What did you think about your performance at the Georgia TechInvitational?
I was pretty upset with my 200-meter performance, because I was trying to qualify for nationals. I felt it was important that I qualify, but not important that I run. I know 200- isn’t my strongest race. It was important to make the statement that I got in, but I didn’t want to compete in it.
What are your goals for the NCAA Tournament?
I plan to win the 100-meter. That’s it for this year since we didn’t qualify for the 4×100-meter relay.
How have you prepared for the tournament?
Practice, practice and more practice.
What did receiving the award of Most Outstanding Newcomer mean to you?
It was important to me. I’ve worked hard this year, and I’ve done a lot of great things but you don’t know how much you’re appreciated until you get something like that. It really does mean a lot and makes me want to work hard and maybe receive something else next year.
In one word, how would you describe your first season on the Miami trackteam?
Great, because I came here and I think this is as close as a school can get to perfect. I have no complaints. Everything’s gone well for me this year.
What are your goals for next three years on the track team?
Probably the Olympics in 2004. If I’m in good enough shape to run, I plan to try out. I want to win the NCAA’s and maybe the 200-meters in 3 years, win the 100-meters all three years, and get the 4×100-meter relay in. I also want to be All-American 16 times before I graduate.
Do you plan on continuing track after graduation?
As long as I’m in good enough shape, running well and am not injured by the time I graduate, why not go ahead with it?
When did you become involved in track and field?
In about 4th grade, I was competing against the boys because I was faster than the girls. Then, I quit when my mom put me on a team and I didn’t like it, and I started back up in 7th or 8th grade.
What athlete did you look up to when you were a kid?
There’s no such thing as a celebrity to me, because they’re human beings just like us. I want people to look at me and say I’m a role model because I’m me, not because I run fast.
Which one of your team members do you look up to the most?
Wyllesheia Myrick. She’s a sprinter also. They say we’re like twins because we’re really social and independent at the same time.
What has been your greatest victory on the track and field team?
My greatest victory has probably been winning the 60- and 100-meters, and finishing second in the 200-meters at BIG EAST, because I didn’t expect to as well as I did.
What has been your greatest track and field disappointment?
The BIG EAST 4×100-meter relay. We were running great that day, but we dropped the baton. We’ve had a rough season and we couldn’t get it all together and qualify for nationals.
What advice would you give young athletes?
Stick to it! Sometimes it gets rough. Persevere and things will turn out for the better.
What do you like to do on your spare time?
Eat, but I haven’t been doing much of that this year, because I’ve been training and watching my weight for the “freshman fifteen”. My favorite food is spaghetti.
What is one thing a lot of people don’t know about you?
My first name is Beatrice. My dad named me, and my mom and I really never liked it, so she calls me Lauryn, my middle name.
What song gets you ready to run?
“Danger” by Mystikal
What is your favorite movie?
The Negotiator, because I like Samuel L. Jackson.
