Briana Williams says  she wasn’t too upset with her sixth place finish in the 200m at the Miramar South Florida Invitational held at the Ansin Stadium.

Williams, who celebrated her 19^th birthday last month, competing on her home track, finished behind winner Jenna Prandini, the two-time USA champion, who clocked an impressive 22.29 for the win. The win, achieved with a trailing wind of 2.3m/s, was even more impressive when you consider who was in the field.

In her wake was 2016 Olympic sprint double champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who opened her season with a 22.44 clocking and Williams, whose 22.93 saw her finish two places behind.

However, the 2018 World U20 200m champion, who boasts a personal best of 22.50, said while she doesn’t train to finish sixth, she understands the process.

“I was pretty shocked at my timing. My coach said we know you’re going to run fast, which I did; 22.93. I’m very happy. No matter the place, I am very happy that I finished the race healthy. It’s been two years since I ran the 200, it felt new to me but I’ll get through, step by step,” she said.

“I’m just happy to have run with the best of the best.”

LONG LAYOFF PLAYED ROLE

Her coach, Ato Boldon, said her long layoff did play a role in how she finished the half-lap sprint.

“She looked rusty, which is to be expected after 22 months away from the event but it’s necessary to get her ready for trials (national championships). She’s happier for a sub-23 opener than she is disappointed at finishing sixth on her home track,” he said.

Williams, who these days has a better understanding of what delivers winning performances, was critical of her form.

“I wish I could have held my form to the end, we still have some work to do in training, but 22.93, fastest season-opener ever, I’m pretty grateful for that.”

The race aside, Williams said she enjoyed seeing some of the world’s best athletes compete on the track on which she trains daily.

“It was delightful. I wish we could have track meets there every week,” she said of the track where she has been training for the last seven or eight years.

“I mean, everyone at my home stadium. It felt surreal, seeing everyone compete and fast times I loved watching everyone.”

She also revealed that she will run her first 100m of the season on April 24 at Hayward Field, which was recently renovated to the tune of US$270 million.

Hayward field is the venue for the next staging of the World Athletics Championships in 2022.