Former Arkansas runner Chrishuna Williams has been working as a part-time teacher in Fayetteville while continuing to train with Razorbacks assistant coach Chris Johnson.
“Chrishuna works hard to pay her bills and tries to get through as best she can,” Arkansas Coach Lance Harter said. “That’s obviously going to change here pretty quick.”
Williams, 23, recently signed a contract with Nike and can expect a big hike in financial support after she took third in the 800 meters Monday night at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.
Williams made the Olympic team by four-hundreds of a second, running 1:59.59 to edge Molly Ludlow, who was fourth in 1:59.63.
“I don’t think anybody was picking Chrishuna to make the U.S. team, so she pulled a big upset,” Harter said. “She kind of announced herself tonight.
“She’s an Olympian now. That’s a title she’ll never lose.”
There was some bumping among the runners with about 150 meters to go in the 800. Alysia Montano fell to the track and caused some other runners to stumble. Ludlow had to jump over Montano.
Kate Grace won the 800 in 1:59.10 and Ajee Wilson was second in 1:59.51.
“Chrishuna kept herself out of trouble in that collision and got through it and finished really, really strong,” Harter said. “She’s just had a real nose for the finish and been so strong down the stretch her last few races.
“If she’s in position, she can close with anybody.”
Former Razorbacks Stanley Kebenei and Jessica Kamilos each advanced to the 3,000 steeplechase final out of semifinal races Monday night.
Kebenei, a six-time All-American in cross country and track who was a senior last year, ran 8:28.84 for the third-fastest time among the 10 qualifiers.
Kamilos, a senior this year who finished second in the steeplechase at the NCAA Championships to help Arkansas win the team title, had the ninth-fastest overall qualifying time (9:41.88).
Arkansas freshman Devin Clark was entered in the steeplechase, but Harter said she didn’t run because of a sore heal.
“We just made the decision it was best for her not to run to protect the heal,” Harter said. “We didn’t want to take any chances.”
Williams was a 10-time All-American at Arkansas, but primarily as a 400 runner. At Johnson’s urging, she moved up to the 800 as a senior last year.
“Chris Johnson has done a great job coaching her,” Harter said. “She’s stuck with it and just come so far in the 800 in a short time.
“She’s worked her tail off and definitely not been in the limelight at this level. So I think it’s really, really great that she’s an Olympian now. That opens up doors for you everywhere.”