Williams Wins Silver Medal

Aug. 21, 2004

Lauryn Williams Olympic Photo Gallery

Athens, Greece (hurricanesports.com) – Former University of Miami sprinter Lauryn Williams (Rochester, Pa.) won the silver medal in the 100-meters in a personal-best time of 10.96 seconds at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Williams, competing in her first Olympic Games, was edged out at the finish by Belarus’ Yuliya Nesterenko, ranked third in the world, who won the gold medal in a time of 10.93 seconds. Veronica Campbell (Jamaica) took third with a time of 10.97 seconds.

“It feels great,” said Williams after the race. “I’m a silver medallist with a personal best. I do have some mixed feelings because I would have liked the gold.”

Williams, who earlier this season won the 100-meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, becomes the first Hurricane women’s track athlete to medal at the Olympic Games.

“My performance was good,” she added. “I had a good start and I think the finish was good enough. I felt Veronica (Campbell) on my shoulder. I didn’t want to be third by a hair. It worked for me.” 

Williams has now won six medals while representing the United States in international competition. She captured gold medals in the 100-meters and 4×100-meter relay at the 2003 Pan American Games as well as a silver medal in the 4×100-meter relay at the 2003 World Championships. In 2002 Williams won the gold medal in the 100-meters and a silver medal in the 4×100-meter relay at the World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

Williams will run the third leg of the United States 4×100-meter relay that will compete Thursday, August 26 and Friday, August 27.

Miami volunteer assistant coach Debbie Ferguson, running for the Bahamas, placed seventh in a time of 11.16 seconds.

NBC will air the 100-meter semifinals and finals during tonight’s prime time coverage.