2019 Austin Sealy Award winner Briana Williams said she didn’t expect to win the award for a second time at the Carifta Games that came to a close in the Cayman Islands on Sunday.
But, with the championships now behind her, she is now fully focused on Jamaica’s National Championships coming up in June.
Williams, 17, won the u20 girls 100m in a season-best 11.25s and the 200m in 22.89, also a season-best time. On Sunday’s final day, she led off her country’s u20 relay team powering them to another gold medal.
In winning three gold medals, Williams replicated her performance from 2018 in the Bahamas and like then was considered the most outstanding athlete of the meet. In winning the award, Williams became the first Jamaican girl to win the award in consecutive years.
She is also the second Jamaican to do so following in the footsteps of Olympic legend Usain Bolt. Only six athletes have managed to win back-to-back awards at the Carifta Games in its 48-year history.
Surprisingly, Williams said she didn’t expect it.
“I was very surprised when they called my name for the Austin Sealy award, there were so many other amazingly talented athletes that poured their heart out in these games,” Williams said.
“But, I am very proud of myself for winning all my events again and it’s an honour to be the first Jamaican girl to win the Austin Sealy award in back to back years.”
Williams said she was particularly pleased about her 200m gold medal because she met the targets she had set for the event.
“Coach and I had been talking about running 22 for the finals at Carifta and that’s what I went out and did. I listened to his directions to get out, stay in my drive phase, come off the curve with the right form and take it home,” she said.
“I was so happy to see the 22 when I crossed the finish line because that is my second fastest time and my season’s best so far.”
She said her next goal is to perform well at the national championships set for June 20-23.
“We’re going to trials in eight weeks. It’s just now to stay humble, composed and work hard for those eight weeks until I run with the big girls and I can’t wait,” she said.
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