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South Western thrower takes aim at Olympic bid


Tyler Williams knows that he’s a long shot to earn a berth in the upcoming Olympic Games, but the Widener University grad and former South Western athlete is ready for the challenge.

Williams will be one of 24 athletes trying to finish in the top three in the hammer throw at the U.S. Olympic Trials for Track and Field on Wednesday at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

The top three in each event will represent the U.S. in the Rio Olympics on Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to making the most of it,” he said. “Honestly, the possibility of being an Olympian never even crossed my mind until recently.”

Williams graduated with honors in the spring of 2015. He holds the school record in the hammer and posted the fourth best effort ever in Division III.

“After graduation I still loved the sport, and I wanted to keep training with an open mind and see what I could do,” he said.

Widener throwing coach Nick Price has worked with Williams since the beginning of his freshman year with the Pride. Price has seen Williams evolve into one of the top hammer throwers in the country.

“Tyler has always been someone who has strived for the best possible version of himself in everything he does,” Price said. “He was the hardest working athlete I have ever had the privilege to work with. His consistency, drive and perseverance enabled him to achieve his status in the event.”

While most athletes vying for a spot in the Olympics devote themselves full time to that endeavor, Williams has been just a part-time trainee. He graduated with a 3.7 grade point average in mechanical engineering and took a job with the Navy in Philadelphia.

“It was a difficult transition at first, but I have worked and trained both full-time this year,” he said. “Typically, my normal day will have me working 7 to 3:30 and training from 4 to 7, maybe longer. Sacrifices have definitely been made, but it’s absolutely worth it when you are doing something that you love.”

The work Williams has put in this year is not surprising to Price.

“Being able to work a highly demanding job and maintain such a high level of training is just another testament of Tyler’s work ethic and drive,” Price said.

Williams is ranked 24th in the field heading into the trials. He’s improved his personal best from 65.97 meters to 67.36 meters (roughly 4.5 feet). The third-ranked athlete in the field stands at 74.98 meters, which makes Williams 7.66 meters away from gaining a spot.

“Currently no hammer thrower for the United States has the Olympic A standard so the selection will come down to Wednesday’s meet in Oregon,” Price said.

The fact that Williams is the longest shot in the field doesn’t bother the athlete one bit.

“Be it whatever the circumstances are, at the end of the day, it isn’t about the medals, the awards or the flashy titles,” he said. “It’s not about whether or not I make the USA Trials or the Olympic team. All I strive to do tomorrow is be a little bit better than I was today.”

The athlete even became philosophical about the place where he is.

“I’ve realized that, if you’re lucky enough to find something you’re passionate about, it gives you this sense of restlessness in the deepest parts of you, in your soul so to speak. For me, this is it, and I am trying to turn that restless soul into the heart of a champion. It’s all about the journey, and whatever the outcome of this championship, my journey isn’t over yet.”