Country: United States of America
Profession: Athlete
Career highlights:
- 2x Olympic silver medallist – Triple Jump
- Olympic bronze medallist- Long Jump
- 2x World Indoor Championships gold medallist
- World Championships 2x silver medallist and 3x bronze medallist
- 2nd in Triple Jump world rankings since 2012
Will is the founder of the clothing brand ELEVATE and is a platinum selling musician. Following the postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he released the song “Dreams don’t die” encouraging athletes and the sports community to stay motivated during these uncertain times.
What were your first thoughts when your high school coach suggested you try triple jump?
I thought my coach Larry Todd was crazy. I was only running track to stay in shape for football and I was just looking to do long jump and run the 100m and relays. On the first day of practice he suggested that I triple jump and a few months later I won a state championship, so he knew what he was talking about!
If there was such a thing as the perfect jump, what would it be for you?
The perfect jump would be where I run the fastest I have ever run down the runway, being in the right position through each of my phases and finishing with the world record at the Olympics. That would be the perfect scenario.
Over the years you have had a great rivalry with Christian Taylor. How do you think the competition between the two of you has moved triple jump forward?
It has pushed us to continue to work hard and always push the limits because we both hate to lose, and we know we are both capable of jumping far.
What does your Sierra Leonean heritage mean to you?
It means a lot to me. It is what makes me who I am and I hope to someday spend more time there and help to make it the amazing country it has the potential to be.
You have said you would like to be known for as much for your music as much as for your athletic accomplishments – can you explain why this is important to you?
I was making music before I ever started to triple jump and it has always been a passion for me. I feel like I am able to connect with people all over the world on a more personal level through music and my passion in life is to be able to inspire and motivate as many people as possible while I am alive. Music is a channel that is universal, so for me the opportunities are endless when it comes to music. With athletics it’s a very niche sport.
What is it like being married to a fellow professional athlete?
It is amazing! I have a partner that helps me be the best person I can possibly be each and every day. We are both professional athletes so it allows us to help each other in all ways because we go through similar routines daily.
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