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Australia’s Fastest Sprinter In More Than 11 Years Switches To Rugby 7’s

Written by MOS Editorial Team

Published on 22 May 2019

Australia’s fastest 100m sprinter in more than 11 years, Trae Williams, has today informed Athletics Australia of his immediate retirement to take up a career in Rugby 7’s.

At the young age of 22 after a sensational career representing Australia in athletics which included a fourth place at the world relays and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Williams has signed a deal with the intention of featuring in the men’s sevens side that is aiming to take part at the Tokyo Olympics next August.

With the Australian Sevens side currently sitting at seventh in the World Series rankings and yet to qualify for the Olympics, the 22-year-old could be the x-factor the team needs.

Athletics Australia CEO, Darren Gocher, said: “It’s a shame that we have lost Trae from athletics.

“We wish him all the very best in the next steps of his sporting career and thank him for the enormous contribution he has made to Australian Athletics.

“While we are saddened to lose him, it demonstrates the importance of athletics as a foundation sport, to the broader Australian sporting landscape,” he said.

Clocking a time of 10.10 seconds in the 100 metres, Williams could very well be the fastest rugby player in the world, should he make a successful transition.