The words 'tiny' or 'small' no longer suit Shericka Williams, as the 22-year-old fought like a giant and stunned the nation to capture silver in the 400 metres in Beijing, China, last Tuesday.Her high school coach, Eldemire Smith, said Williams was nicknamed 'Wire-Wire' as the petite girl was a very fast runner.
"She was so small, but had fire at her feet," said Smith.
Williams, who stands at five feet six inches and weighs 141 pounds, got the name 'Wire- Wire' more than 10 years ago after beating competitors at a track meet.
Smith said the name stuck on Williams throughout her high school years.
No frowning
"She didn't frown when called Wire-Wire," said Smith.
The 400-metre runner has accepted the name so much so that now, as a student at the University of Technology (UTech), she introduces herself as Shericka 'Wire-Wire' Williams.
"That's what she will call herself, that's what she tells people," he said.
Williams' sister, Sherifa Willams, also a 400-metre athlete also has a nickname. At school, (also UTech), the younger sibling answers to the name 'Fence'.
The coach, who had a chat with Williams the night before the race, advised her to run easy on the curve and give it her all on the straight.
"She did just about that," he said.
He missed the phone call she made after the stunning silver medal run, but said: "I know she will call back."
Who is Shericka? Shericka Williams is a fine product of the district of Whitehall in the Giddy Hall postal region of St Elizabeth. She had her genesis in the sport at the Giddy Hall All-age School, competing at the Blue Cross- sponsored National Primary and All-age Championships held at the National Stadium. Studying Business and Computer Studies at UTech.
