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Felix backing Williams to make it big

Allyson Felix is excited by the prospect of rising British star Jodie Williams © Getty Images

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World champion Allyson Felix is backing rising British star Jodie Williams to "achieve really big things".

Williams, who begins her challenge for the 100m and 200m double at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Canada on Tuesday, is already the current world youth champion over both distances and Felix has tipped the 16-year-old to take athletics by storm.

"Jodie is on the right track," she told the Daily Mirror. "I'm very impressed. She's in a position to achieve really big things."

Williams clocked the second-fastest 200m ever by an under-17 at sea level this year - 22.79 seconds - bettered only by Marion Jones but it is her phenomenal winning streak that really catches the eye. She has never been beaten. In 146 races, covering every sprint distance from 100m right through to 400m, she has never tasted defeat - something that the youngster admits will occur at some point in her career.

"I am going to be beaten one day," she said in the Daily Mail. "I hope I take it in my stride."

Her best mark in the 100m is 11.24 seconds, which was good enough to beat the British Under-20s record set by Kathy Cook 31 years ago, and her impressive times rank her in the top six on Europe's senior list.

But Williams is not being rushed. She trains three times a week, does little weight training and is sticking to junior events.

"I am still young and we're taking it slow. Next year I may step up; try for the world championships in preparation for 2012. I would love to compete in the 100 and 200 - it would be incredible," she added.

While there is a buzz surrounding Williams' talent, her coach, Mike McFarlane, is wary not to build up the hype over his protégé.

"She's 16. In the next two years her body will be changing shape. Then there's the boy factor. Then there's university. And they have got to learn a work ethic," he said.

"And you guys from the Press build these kids up too soon and they believe their own hype. Football's a prime example. Athletics isn't easy, even given talent. It's hard work - nothing is for nothing."

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