Jamaica's Olympic relay gold medalist, Briana Williams, is adjusting to a new training program under the guidance of veteran coach John Smith in California while remaining steadfast in her goal of securing a spot on Jamaica's team for the Paris Olympic Games this summer.
Williams encountered a challenging season in 2023, contending with injuries after transitioning from Coach Ato Boldon in Miramar, Florida to Titans International in Jamaica, where she was coached by Gregory Little and Michael Frater. Following the split of her coaches late in 2023, Williams continued under Coach Frater until making the decision to join Coach John Smith's program in March this year.
Smith, who currently coaches Marie Jose Ta Lou Smith, the fastest woman from Africa and a two-time World Championship silver medalist, brings a wealth of expertise to Williams' training regimen. Ta Lou Smith provided a glimpse of what Williams could become by winning the 100m in 10.91 at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, where Williams achieved a season's best of 11.39, finishing seventh.
The time reflected a significant improvement on her 11.54 season opener at the Occidental Invitational in Los Angeles just over a week ago.
Reflecting on her transition to Coach Smith's program, Williams emphasized her commitment to the process and the progress she's making.
"Training, I am taking it day by day. I’m learning new things; it’s a new program so I’m getting adjusted every day, loving the progress," Williams shared post-race. "I’m just taking my time, we have six weeks to go to trials so I want to get everything in, start running every week, and just getting race ready, taking it one day at a time to prepare and make the team."
Williams also highlighted the positive impact of training alongside Marie Jose Ta Lou Smith and the supportive group dynamics.
"It’s the best. I have a great group, great training, great coach. Marie, I learn so much from her and I really appreciate her as a teammate and all the rest of my teammates, and I really do adore the group," Williams commented on her training environment.
Regarding the transition to Coach John Smith, who was once the coach of her former mentor Ato Boldon, Williams expressed enthusiasm for the training regimen and the mentorship she receives.
"It’s amazing! The workouts are not too different. John is like the guru of track and field, so it’s really great learning from him and I learn a lot from him; he makes me strong mentally and physically as well," Williams remarked.
Despite the recent race result, Williams remains focused on the journey ahead, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new program mid-season.
"It wasn’t my best race, but I was just working on the things that I need to work on. Getting into a new program in the middle of the season is not easy but it’s what’s best for me right now so I am just taking it one race at a time," she concluded.
The 22-year-old Williams is expecting to be racing over 200m next week in Los Angeles.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launches hair care line, AFIMI, ahead of final Olympic Games
In what is hoped will be a memorable year for Jamaican track and field star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the legendary sprinter has announced the launch of her new hair care line, AFIMI. The announcement comes as Fraser-Pryce prepares to compete in her final Olympic Games, aiming to make history by winning a record-extending fifth Olympic 100m medal in Paris.
Fraser-Pryce, 37, has faced injury challenges over the past few years and has only had four races this season, three of which were at the Jamaican national championships in late June. Despite her limited time on the track, her entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive. The three-time Olympic gold medalist shared the news of her latest venture on Instagram, posting a video that features her running on a track, enjoying the beach, and proudly standing beside her products, all while wearing various hairstyles that showcase the versatility of her yet-to-be-released hair care line.
In her Instagram post, Fraser-Pryce, adorned in Jamaican colors, is seen wearing braids, lace front wigs, and other styles, emphasizing the multi-use nature of AFIMI products. The caption reads, “Hair is your most powerful form of self-expression and has been an exciting way to reinvent myself every time I step on the track. From the main stage to the finish line, my hair has helped me set the tone for many fearless victories. That’s why it’s so important that it gets the care it needs. I’ve designed these products with you in mind to keep your hair feeling and performing its best no matter what comes your way. This line is a vibrant tribute to Jamaica, inspired by its lush resources and welcoming essence — each ingredient naturally sourced from the earth to enhance your natural beauty. AFIMI, It’s for you, no matter who you are.”
Fraser-Pryce is no stranger to making bold statements with her hair. Whether at the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games, she has consistently used her hair to express her vibrant personality and Jamaican pride. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she won her fourth world championship gold medal in the 100 meters with a stunning rainbow-dyed hairstyle. In 2022, she claimed her record fifth world 100m title in Eugene, Oregon, while sporting a beautiful blonde look with green and yellow highlights.
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, she left fans speechless with a striking orange wig featuring elements of hot pink during her first 100m heat. Similarly, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, she wore a yellow-to-orange ombre wig while taking home the silver medal in the women’s 100m race.
Fraser-Pryce's love for hair dates back to 2013 when she launched Chic Hair Ja, a store that retailed virgin human hair and hair care products in Kingston. The store enjoyed a successful run until 2017. That same year, she revamped and rebranded her hair care line to Lady Shelly, adding natural products to the lineup. Lady Shelly featured products made in Jamaica with natural ingredients, catering to all hair textures and positioning itself as a multicultural hair care line.
As Fraser-Pryce prepares for her final Olympic Games, fans are eagerly anticipating not only her performance on the track but also the stylish hair looks she will undoubtedly bring to Paris. With AFIMI, she continues to inspire and empower, showing that her influence extends far beyond the world of athletics.
Amid JAAA controversy, CAS to decide Nayoka Clunis' Olympic fate on Sunday
In a crucial development leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) Ad hoc Division is expected to rule on the dispute between hammer thrower Nayoka Clunis and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, by Sunday, July 21.
Clunis, who earned her spot with a national record throw of 71.83m in May, was initially selected by the JAAA to represent Jamaica in the hammer throw. However, her name was not submitted to World Athletics by the JAAA, leaving her Olympic status in jeopardy. In response, Clunis has sought a ruling from the CAS Ad hoc Division to ensure her inclusion in the hammer throw competition at the Paris Olympics.
The panel of arbitrators, comprising Honourable Annabelle Bennett QC, SC of Australia as President, along with Ms. Carline Dupeyron of France and Olympian Ms. Kristen Thorness of the USA, will hear the case on July 20, 2024. The panel's decision is expected to be announced the following day.
The urgency of Clunis' appeal stems from a lack of response from the JAAA. On Tuesday, Clunis instructed her lawyers to contact CAS if no response was received from the JAAA by 5 p.m. that day. Despite the CAS setting an 11 a.m. Friday deadline for the JAAA to file materials, they reportedly failed to meet this requirement.
Sportsmax.TV sources did indicate that the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), World Athletics (WA) and the IOC have all filed submissions in the dispute.
Clunis' bid for inclusion in the Olympic roster has been fueled by frustration over the JAAA's handling of her case. Her throw, placing her among the top 32 hammer throwers globally this year, underscores her qualification and readiness to compete at the highest level.
A favorable ruling would rectify the administrative oversight and allow Clunis to showcase her talent on the Olympic stage, fulfilling her dream of competing in Paris.
Clunis is represented by attorneys Dr Emir Crowne and Sayeed Bernard.
Jamaican high jumper Lamara Distin signs professional contract with Puma
Commonwealth Games champion and World Championships finalist Lamara Distin has taken a significant step in her career by signing a professional deal with German sporting goods giant Puma.
Distin, who will represent Jamaica at the Paris Olympics next month, announced the exciting news on Thursday via social media.
"Excited to announce that I’m stepping into the next chapter of my career with @pumarunning,” she posted in her Instagram account.
“Huge shoutout to my amazing management group @fortetrackandfield for their unwavering support and guidance. Excited for the future and opportunities ahead."
Distin's impressive track record includes being a three-time NCAA champion while at Texas A&M University. She is currently ranked third in the world after setting a new Jamaican national indoor record with a jump of 2.00m earlier this season, making her the first Jamaican woman to clear that height. Distin also boasts an outdoor best of 1.97m.
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