TOKYO, Japan — Despite winning two World Championships titles and a bronze medal to boot, sprint hurdler Danielle Williams somehow, almost always seems to fly way under the radar during pre-event title talks.

Yet, she has been ever-present for Jamaica in the 100m hurdles over the last decade, especially at the World Championships level, winning gold in 2015 in Beijing and again at the last instalment in 2023 in Budapest — tearing the form sheet and prediction brackets to shreds on both occasions.

So it should be no surprise to anyone that Williams again finds herself outside of the title favourites rank; for her, its familiar territory. However, armed with a fresh and long-pursued personal best and the experience of championships past, Williams is quietly confident that she can spring another unsurprising surprise at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships.

“It’s a self-confidence thing,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer, when asked about her ability to rise above the outward doubt.

“I believe in the work that I put in and I believe that I am one of the best and on the day it’s anybody’s game and I know when I show up, if I am healthy, I can win it and, most importantly, I believe that God is in control of all things and if he favours me on that day, then it will be mine,” added Williams.

This assurance is certainly not hurt by the fact that Williams enters the championships with her first personal best in six years after clocking 12.31 seconds in Poland last month, with her previous best standing at 12.32, which was registered in London in 2019.

“I think I have had a very good season so far. I got a personal best and yes, I have been targeting that for a very long time so that has been good. I managed to do what I had to do in my races and got a chance to work on the things I needed to work on, so I’d like to think that everything has been fine-tuned and I’m in the right place, so right now I’m looking forward to going out there, having fun and beating some people,” William stated.

Five women in Japan have posted faster times than Williams this season, including world leader Masai Russell, 12.17, the Olympic champion; world record holder Tobi Amusan, 12.24, and hot-shot compatriot Ackera Nugent, 12.30.

However, the experienced Williams knows that she has the tools to turn over the applecart yet again and is doing her best to stay focused on controlling the things she can as she goes on the hunt for another World Championships medal.

“I just train hard, try to keep my mind right and try to focus on what I can control and go out there and do the same things that I have been doing all year and the years before,” Williams said of her process and approach heading into the event.

A Jamaican has been on the 100m hurdles podium at four of the last five World Championships, with Williams being responsible for three of those appearances and 2022 silver medallist Britany Anderson being the other.

It would not be a surprise if the trend continues in Tokyo.

WILLIAMS… I know when I show up, if I am healthy, I can win it and, most importantly, I believe that God is in control of all things Photo: Observer file