TOKYO, Japan — Danielle Williams knows this stage well. Twice she has conquered it, and on Sunday inside the Japan National Stadium, the defending champion eased into her latest World Championships campaign, advancing from the women’s 100m hurdles heats with the kind of composure only experience can bring.

“It felt pretty good. I mean, it’s a bittersweet feeling because usually we’re one of the last events at the championship and now we’re one of the first. I was like, ‘Okay, this is different, but I like it.’ Got it out of the way, got the rust off, the dust off, and, you know, did what I came out here to do?” Williams said after comfortably crossing the line in 12.40 seconds.

Second place went to Alaysha Johnson (United States), 12.76 with France’s Sacha Alessandrini taking third in 12.99.

Williams will be joined in the semi-final by national record holder Ackera Nugent, who also won her heat in 12.54 and Amoi Brown, 12.82, who progressed with a third place finish.

The women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals will take place on Monday at 9:06 pm (7:06 am Jamaica time) with the final set for 10:20 pm (8:20 am).

Hotshot Jamaican youngster Roshawn Clarke – a finalist in Budapest two years ago, along with Malik James-King and Assinie Wilson, will begin their bids in the men’s 400m Hurdles heats, which are scheduled to begin at 7:35 pm (5:35 am).

Jamaica’s quality in the Men’s Long Jump event will be on full display when 2019 champion Tajay Gayle, Nikaoli Williams and Carey McLeod, the fourth-place finisher in Budapest looking for a spot in the final to successfully navigate the qualifying round at 7:40 pm (5:40 am)

For the 33-year-old Williams, whose world titles came in 2015 and 2023, at the Beijing and Budapest installments, Sunday’s opener served as both a rust-shaker and a preparation for the much harder tests that await.

“It felt good, the start felt really good. I definitely would like to get hurdles eight, nine and 10 a little bit more efficient in the next round, because everybody’s coming all guns blazing in the semis and so if I want to make it to the final, I have to be as sharp as possible,” Williams said.

That sharpness, for Williams, isn’t only about technique as her career has been defined just as much by her ability to stay calm and grounded when it matters most.

“You know, I try to keep a clear mind and a loose body, I try to focus on what I can control. I know I can do all the hard work that’s possible but it’s God who gives me the strength to keep going and provides the opportunities and I’m just really grateful, and I keep that in mind and just enjoy the process. I mean, it’s not going to last forever, so while I’m in it, I enjoy what I’m doing,” said Williams.

With seven World Championships now under her belt, Williams, is one of the most experienced competitors at the meet and she is well aware that the edge she carries lies in her years of high-stakes racing.

“The younger girls are running really fast. I’d like to think I have a lot of experience under my belt, and so if I need to call on that experience, I feel like I can, but at the end of the day, you know, it’s just to do my best every time and let the chips fall where they may.”

It is that balance — between experience and faith that has defined her journey and as she pushes further into yet another championship campaign, Williams is clear on where her strength truly comes from.

“Process is training hard and trusting in God. That’s all it is. Trusting in God, trusting in the training that I put in, trusting in the abilities that I have, and believing without a doubt that everything will work out for the good of those who love the Lord and were called for his purpose. If that’s me, that’s me.”

For Williams, Tokyo isn’t just about chasing another medal — it’s about embracing the process, enjoying the moment, and trusting that hard work, faith, and experience will once again carry her where she needs to go.

Roshawn Clarke