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Boys Cross Country Coach and 2005 DHS Graduate Represents Dexter at the 2016 Olympic Trials
By Alex Strang
Many athletes only dream of competing in the Olympics, but Dexter alum Lex Williams actually got a shot to compete for his spot on Team USA.
Williams is a long distance runner and ran in the 1500-meter run in Eugene, Oregon, in July in an attempt to qualify for Team USA.
Although he did not make the final cut – only the top 3 Americans in each event qualify – he got the experience of a lifetime. Only the top 30 runners in the U.S. were able to compete in this event.
High School and Childhood
Williams established himself as a star early on at the age of 10 when he won the AAU 1500m. This success continued into his high school career when he finished first in the 3200m at the state meet and third place in the 1600m at indoor nationals. He also left a piece of himself at Dexter by setting and retaining two school records in the 800m and the 1600m.
Despite all of these individual accomplishments, Williams’s favorite moments in high school are with his team: “I did some cool things as an individual, but those [three state titles] are probably my best memories,” Williams said.
Running at Michigan
After graduating from DHS, Williams ran at the University of Michigan. While there he was an All-American and was first in the Big Ten in the 5,000-meter run.
From Michigan he continued to start his professional career. Williams signed as a professional athlete with the running brand, Saucony, and the sports drink, SOS Rehydrate.
During his professional career Williams has one memory that stands out.
“Breaking four in the mile is my favorite memory I have of running,” Williams said.
The four-minute-mile barrier is the benchmark for elite milers.
Olympic Trials
After his olympic trial, he described his experience in Eugene with a smile on his face: “It was awesome. I thought I ran a great race, and just didn’t have it the last 30 meters. I got passed by three guys.”
He was one of the leaders for most of the race until the last stretch when everyone picked up the pace to cross the finish line to qualify for the next round.
“It ended quicker than I wanted to. I placed 28th, 28th in the country,” Williams said laughing. “I can walk away and be happy with that.
“The accomplishment of making it there was my personal olympic medal.”
