'I Just Wanted to Cry' - Jamaican Sprint Queen Opens Up on Emotional First Trip to Africa and World Relays Debut

Jamaican sprint queen Briana Williams has revealed she was overwhelmed with emotion after landing in Africa for the first time, describing the experience as deeply special both on and off the track.

The two-time world silver medallist was part of Jamaica’s squad at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, where she enjoyed a memorable debut on the continent.

Competing in the women’s 4x100m relay, Williams helped her team reach the final, where sprint legend Elaine Thompson-Herah anchored Jamaica to a commanding gold-medal finish.

Beyond the competition, Williams said the trip left a lasting personal impression, as she embraced the atmosphere and warm reception in Africa.

Speaking to Mr Analyst, aka Leighton Levy, on YouTube, Briana Williams revealed that she became very emotional, explaining that she contacted both her mother and her coach as her flight landed in Johannesburg, where the team had a stopover.

She noted that the moment felt overwhelming for her, as it marked her first visit to the continent, and she found herself close to tears even before arriving at her final destination.

Briana Williams added that the feeling stayed with her throughout the trip, especially upon arrival, where she was deeply moved by the warm reception she received. Williams recalled a touching moment on the way to the hotel.

Reflecting on the experience more broadly, she expressed gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere she encountered and highlighted how meaningful it was to reconnect with cultural identity and heritage.

“Yes. I immediately texted my mom and my coach, as the plane was landing in Johannesburg, because we had a stop there, and I just wanted to cry. It was my first time in Africa, and even going over there, I just felt really emotional,” Briana Williams said.

“When we were going to our hotel, I heard a man say, ‘Welcome home, my sister.’ And I was just like, ‘Thank you.’ You know, it's so welcoming, and I really love that we shouldn't forget our roots. I just really loved my experience in Africa.”

Briana Williams added that she was taken by surprise and deeply pleased when reflecting on her recent opportunity to compete at the World Athletics Relays.

She explained that earlier in the year, she had set her sights on participating in the World Indoor Championships, but circumstances did not align in her favour.

At the time, she was going through a demanding training phase and was unable to attend competitions, including one significant final that coincided with her birthday.

The former Olympic champion (4x100m relay) noted that despite watching events from a distance and feeling disappointed at missing out, she and her coaching team remained focused on long-term preparation rather than interrupting training for short-term appearances.

Williams added that even in the previous season, she had missed out on similar opportunities due to her training schedule.

According to her, receiving the call-up for the World Relays brought a sense of fulfilment, especially given the sacrifices made in earlier months.

Briana Williams reflected that the timing ultimately felt ideal, as it coincided with the conclusion of a heavy training block, allowing her to arrive at the competition well-prepared.

“So I was really happy coach said you can go, and I'm like, oh my goodness, I get to go to Botswana. I got to go to Africa and experience it,” Briana Williams added.

“And I was really happy because the last time I put on the uniform was indoor Glasgow 2024, and I didn't particularly do very well, and I'm just happy to have redeemed myself, you know, even though it's a team effort, a relay effort.

“I was really happy to just get us back a gold medal, you know, and I'm really happy to be a part of that team and just experience the world relay because it was my first time.”