KNYSNA NEWS - Coach Radian Williams has earned international recognition after helping Barbadian sprinter Tristan Evelyn claim a gold medal and a $250 000 (about R4.5m) prize money at the recent Enhance Games at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

Her victory follows just over two months of working with Williams, during which she recorded the second-fastest race of her career.

Williams said their coaching relationship began two months before the competition when Evelyn had approached him in Abu Dhabi, where he had worked for four months.

"The company I worked for is huge and has an Olympic swimming pool, track, gym and accommodation all in one facility. She also booked in there and came to the gym where she asked me to have a look at a video of her sprinting, because she felt her performances stagnated. I immediately realised it wasn't a strength problem, but rather a stability, mobility and technique issue," he said.

An unorthodox approach

Williams introduced significant changes to Evelyn's running mechanics and strength and conditioning programme.

Williams focuses on movement patterns and functional exercises rather than traditional gym routines. 

"My coaching is very unorthodox because I don't make use of exercises such as squats and deadlifts. My training method is very childlike, going back to the things you did as a kid. That's the foundation of training," he explained.

Making major technical adjustments so close to a competition carried risks, but Williams believed the changes were necessary. 

One of the key areas addressed was Evelyn's starting technique, which he felt was negatively affecting her top-end speed.

Tristan Evelyn streaks away from her competitors. Photo source: Enhanced Games/Instagram

"I changed her start first, and we did a lot of foot strengthening and balancing work in the gym. Her work ethic allowed us to put something together that usually takes six to eight months in only two weeks. I've never coached someone so hungry to be the best in my entire coaching career. Her ability to produce on the day made me so proud. Not just because of the hard work she put in, but because it gave me confidence that the way I coach can succeed anywhere, with any athlete."

Williams added that Evelyn's willingness to trust the process was crucial. "When you allow someone to change the way you run so close to competition, it's literally a mission of do or die."

Eyes on Los Angeles 2028

Looking ahead, Evelyn is expected to return home to Barbados for a break before beginning preparations for future competitions. Discussions regarding a possible campaign towards the 2028 Olympic Games are still ongoing.

"Anything is possible if you keep showing up. Every day you get up and grind. Your family and future depend on it. The odds will always be there."

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