Jamaican sprinting icon Briana Williams has faced difficulties finding a footing in the last couple of years. Williams shook the track and field world when she became the youngest 100m and 200m double gold medalist at the 2018 U20 World Championships. Training under then-coach Ato Boldon, the young athlete went on to win gold in the 4x100m relay. However, since then she has trained coaches twice.

The 22-year-old Olympian left Ato Boldon in 2022 after training under the four-time Olympic medalist for a decade. However, her stint at the Titans Track Club under Gregory Little and Michael Frater lasted only two years before she joined star coach John Smith’s HSI. So who is John Smith and what inspired Briana Williams to choose him?

Meet Briana Williams’ veteran coach

Despite training with Yohan Blake, Ackeem Blake, and Kemar Bailey-Cole, Briana Williams faced multiple setbacks in 2022 and 2023. She showed sparks of brilliance, earning gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2022 Eugene World Championships and again in Budapest in 2023. Unfortunately, injuries prevented her from making a mark in individual events. So, in March 2024, Williams moved to Los Angeles to train under John Smith.

John Smith is among the most renowned coaches in track and field, with four decades of coaching experience. Named the US National Team coach for Helsinki 2005, Smith has coached numerous sprinters from across the globe. Over 25 sprinters have won Olympic medals, with many winning multiple gold medals.

Maurice Greene, Quincy Watts, Carmelita Jeter, Torri Edwards, and English Gardner are just some of the many talented athletes who found success under Smith. Briana Williams’ new coach is also one of the few who pulled off the successful transition from star athlete to star coach. While many legendary athletes have tried their hand in coaching, few have found similar success in both fields.

John Smith was an Olympian who competed at the highest level. The 73-year-old’s biggest achievements were breaking the 440y world record and winning gold at the 1971 Pan American Games. This success propelled him to the #1 spot in the 1971 world rankings. However, Olympic gold medals eluded the HSI founder until he became a coach. Briana Williams may have been drawn to Smith’s renown and versatility, but there’s a deeper connection.

Why did the Jamaican sprinter join forces with John Smith ahead of the Paris Olympics?

Briana Williams found the most success under Ato Bolton. So when she decided to leave Titans Track Club, she chose the man who coached Ato Boldon. Yes, you read that right. Among the numerous athletes who won Olympic gold under Smith was her first coach. “I’m excited to join a new team and work with coaches who will help me reach my full potential. I’ve achieved a lot so far, but I know I can do even better…” the 22-year-old told The Jamaica Gleaner before leaving for Los Angeles.

However, Briana Williams joined forces with John Smith in a last-ditch effort to make it to Paris. At the beginning of the year, the former gold medalist said making the 2024 Jamaican Olympics sprint team would be her top priority. Yet, she may have been too late as Williams finished in 7th place at the 2024 Jamaican National Championships.

Despite the disappointing end to her Paris Olympic dreams, the fact remains that Briana Williams had very little time to prepare under John Smith. We’ll have to wait and see how the Jamaican track icon develops under the veteran coach in the coming years.