Jodie Williams sparkles again in Bedford

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat, in Bedford

SPRINTER Jodie Williams believes she proved she is no flash in the fan with a fine victory at the Aviva under 20&23 Championships in Bedford.

FINE FORM: Jodie Williams prioves she's no flash in the pan with another excellent performance in Bedford (Getty Images)

The 16-year-old clocked a new 100m personal best of 11.24 seconds in May and broke the 11.30 barrier for the second time in her fledgling career in Bedford, romping home in 11.28 to set a new track record.

Despite her tender years, Williams is currently the fastest woman in Europe over 200m, having set an electric 22.79 at the Loughborough International last month.

Such is her form at present, she has been touted for inclusion in the senior Great Britain team for the European Championships in Barcelona this summer - but Williams insists she is more than happy staying where she is, instead setting her sights on the World Junior Championships in Canada.  

"I am really happy with the win because it secures my place in Canada for the World Junior Championships and that is something I have been looking to do for a long time," said Williams, a member of the UKA Heroes initiative.

"I now feel like the pressure has gone and the weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I am already looking forward to Canada.

"I know I said that just the win was the main thing but it was great to run a fast time because it is nice to have confirmation that I can run 11.2.

"People have been saying that it is just a one off sort of thing so it is nice to run it again with a legal wind to prove them it wasn't a fluke.

"It was nice to prove it to them and to myself that I can run these sorts of times because I will need to in Canada to come away with anything.

"It will be tough out there for sure but I am hoping to take my good form forwards and I am confident I can do well."