World junior sprint double champion Briana Williams has pulled out of the women’s 200m at Jamaica Trials. Williams, who said she is “getting sick”, is seeking a medical exemption.
Williams, on Friday night (June 21), ran a World Youth U18 record 10.94 to finish third in the women’s 100m final behind winner Elaine Thompson, 10.73 and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who also ran 10.73.
“I won’t compete in the 2019 national championships any further,” she said on Facebook.
“I actually competed with a fever today. I’m getting sick, so I will seek a medical exemption for the 200m and chase a top-3 Jamaican time between now and Worlds to try to get a 200m spot as well,” Williams said.
Williams’ coach Ato Boldon commented: “Briana Williams actually competed in yesterday’s 100m semi and final with a pretty high fever. She’s coming down with something, so we will seek a medical exemption for her in the 200m from JAAA this morning. She’s out of the remainder of the Jamaican Championships.”
The first Jamaican junior to run sub-11 also hailed the efforts of Thompson and Fraser-Pryce.
“Congratulations to both Shelly-Ann and Elaine, who have both worked back from some very hard times to be the world’s fastest again,” she wrote on her social media page.
She also said thanks to her fans. “You guys have supported me all year long, so this world youth record and national junior record belongs to you as well.”
