IOWATFXC.COM Interview with Khanishah Williams
I. When/how did you get started with your running?
I got started participating in track and field in 7th grade at Oak Street Middle School because I wanted to experience all competitive sports after being in volleyball and basketball. So I thought “why not track too?”.
II. Describe the support for your running that you’ve received from your family?
My family have been very supportive, especially my mom who has been to my meets and cheered me on throughout my years in track and field.
III. Describe the support for your running that you’ve receive from your team, school, fans, others?
The support from my teammates has been very encouraging and has helped me gain confidence to compete. As a student-athlete, my teachers helped to make sure I received my homework ahead of time before I left to go to meets. My peers and fans have also been very supportive. Having a crowd to cheer me on helped me compete and want to excel.
IV. Describe the help with your running that you’ve received from you coach(es)?
My coaches have helped me every year to become stronger and faster at my events. Through high school, our head coach Maureen Heath has watched me perform in my events and found bad habits and corrected mistakes to help me become a champion in the hurdles and high jump.
V. Describe your training program (year-around?, mileage, type of training, emphasis).
Every year the training that we did improved and a new type of warm-up was added. Before every event I have to do a specific warm-up to get prepared. Each warm-up can take up to ten minutes or maybe even longer. Coach Heath found videos of famous Olympic athletes and looked at the special things they did, and applied it to my training.
VI. What has given you the greatest thrill(s) in running?
My greatest experiences in track was being a State Champion in my two favorite events, the high jump for three years and the 100 meter hurdles for two.
VII. Other interests (personal, social, & recreational activities)?
I love basketball. During track, I also trained for all-star basketball games. I’m a big family person. I’m always doing something with friends, family, or my boyfriend.
VIII. Competition plans for this summer?
I will be going to Wisconsin to compete in an all-star girls’ track and field meet. I hope to achieve higher heights in the high jump and a lower time in the 100 meter hurdles.
IX. What are your plans for this fall (college, running)?
I will be attending the Universityof Iowa where I will continue to run track and field, and be a Hawkeye, for the next four years. I’m an open major right now.
X. How did you decide on that choice of colleges?
I decided to go to Iowa because on my visit the coaches and other athletes made me feel welcomed and already feeling a part of the team. It’s very close to home. I am confident about my decision.