Ryan Williams sets his goal for 2025 season

Athletics
Andrew Poolman
  • 5 Days Ago
Namibian national record holder Ryan Williams is ready to build on his first place in the men’s discus throw at Athletics South Africa’s second Grand Prix meeting at the University of Johannesburg.

Williams, in the colours of North-West University, landed a best throw of 54.51 metres on Wednesday to win the event ahead of his NWU team mate Righardt Stander (50.99) and Xolani Lekhuleni (LMD; 50.31).

The 24-year-old Williams, a two-time bronze medallist at senior African championships (Cameroon 2024 and Mauritius 2022), holds the Namibian record at 61.15 metres, set in Potchefstroom in April 2023.

Williams told Sport Wrap: “I’m happy with how the season is going so far. I’ve had lots of changes happening in the last ten months, but everything is starting to come together en the goal is to reach my peak form in April.

“My big goal for the year is the FISU World Student Games in Germany, in the middle of July. I would love to represent my country there and to make a mark in my final year as a student, and in the final year I’m allowed to compete age-wise.

“I’m working hard and looking forward to this season. Philippians 4:13 carries me and keeps me positive for what’s ahead.”

• The results of other Namibians who were included in the Grand Prix's main program: Men’s 400m: Elvis Gaseb fifth (46.63); André Retief sixth (46.95). Women’s 800m: Angala Tuuliki seventh (2:14.40).

• On the pre-program, Namibian track athletes achieved the following times: Christine Mboma 100m (12.07); Jade Nangula 100 & 200m (11.81 and 24.37); Ndawana Haitembu 100 (11.81); Erin Koff 100 (12.42); Elvis Gaseb 100 (10.56); Elton Hoeseb 100 & 200 (10.61 and 21.04); Sherman du Plessis 100 and 200 (10.97 and 22.45); David Dam 800m (1:49.44).