It seems like forever since Great Britain had a world-class sprinter, but maybe Delano Williams, who’s actually from the Turks and Caicos Islands, will be the next man to impress after such a long drought, nearly breaking a 10-year old record set by Usain Bolt at ISSA Boys and Girls Championships in Jamaica.
When Bolt was 16, he ran a 20.25 in the 200 meters, one second (and a bit more) slower than his record at that distance, but it is still the event’s record for 200 meters. Williams ran a 20.27, taking home the gold at the Caribbean junior competition. Williams also won the 100 meters with a time of 10.28, and added gold in the 4×400 meters.
I was really, really excited when I got the passport. I felt, ‘I’m a British citizen now’. In order for me to compete at the Olympics I must go under the British because we are under British rule. wouldn’t want to stop my dream of going to the Olympics so they have made a decision to let me go and represent the UK at the Olympics. It will be a privilege to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
In order to run in the Olympics, Williams needs a British passport, because they are not recognized by the International Olympic Committee. He received his British passport 11 months ago, but finished fifth at the UK Olympics Trials for 200 meters, and missed out on the London games.
Williams subsequently claimed 200 meters gold at last year’s World Junior Championships, two days after British sprinter Adam Gemili had claimed the 100 meters crown in impressive fashion.