| One of the fastest female sprinters in the world, Lauryn Williams’ goal for Beijing is to one up the silver that she secured in the 100m at the 2004 Olympic Games. That high profile second place win took place just months into her first professional year after graduating from University of Miami. While still in school, Williams won the 2004 NCAA title and at the time was the world leader in the 100m. At the 2003 Pan American Games she was Gold Medalist in the 100m and 4x100m. Her high school years at Rochester High in Rochester Pennsylvania were equally impressive. Williams was state champion in 100 and 200m dashes her junior and senior year, was the school state champion her senior year in 4x100m relay and set school records in the 100m, 200m 4x100m and long jump events. Though Williams had a stellar high school and college career, it wasn't until she became the 2004 NCAA 100m champion that she even thought about the Olympics. Not only was she champ, she held the fastest legal-wind time by an American (10.97) which just happened to be the second fastest time in the world at that time. At the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, Williams showed what a tough competitor she truly is. In cold, wet conditions, she took gold to become the world champion and position herself at the top of her sport. 2006 heralded a world indoor 60m silver and U.S. championship silver before injuries sidelined her for the remainder of the season. By the World Championships in Osaka in 2007, Williams was back in peak form, with a second place win that defied all odds.
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A diminutive 5 feet 3 inches, Williams’ friendly demeanor and fierce competitive spirit have made her a fan favorite and a delight to watch. Williams is one of eight siblings – many of whom, along with her parents, travelled to Athens to watch her compete first hand. In William’s limited time away from the track, she is involved in community outreach services as part of the USATF's "Be a Champion" program and has set up a scholarship fund to assist emerging female athletes in their quest for academic and athletic excellence. Efforts that helped her get named 2006 Visa Humanitarian of the Year. She currently resides in Miami, Florida where she trains under Coach Amy Deem. Learn more about Lauryn William’s on her website www.laurynwilliams.net.
