Correction, May 21, 2025 1:38 pm: An earlier version of this story misstated Chelsi Williams's awards status in Polk County. Mason Berry, a 13-year-old para-athlete from Frostproof Middle-Senior High School, has 12 gold metals.
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On May 10 and 11, at at Visit Jax Track and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Chelsi Williams, at 5’4″ and 120 pounds, according to a recruiting profile, ran the 100 meter hurdles in 13:38 seconds — winning the event and scoring a gold medal.
Williams, a George Jenkins High School senior, also competed at the meet in the long jump.
At 20 feet and 3 inches, she scored another win there and the gold.
And the 18-year-old Williams, at the same meet, finished the triple jump at 41 feet, 0.5 inches: a third gold.
That raised Williams’s gold-medal total in her athletic career to 11, including two that she won while still in the eighth grade — making her one of Polk County’s most decorated athletes, according to the school district.
“It feels surreal,” Williams said not long afterward.
“I’m very proud of myself. I feel very accomplished. That’s been my goal since sophomore year when I became aware of the record of gold medals.”
Family affair: Williams is coached by her father, Curtis Williams.
She began running track as a 4-year-old, inspired by her brother, Tyson, who was competing in meets. He recently competed in the Olympic trials and made it to the second round, their father said.
“I was hyper and energetic. Track (was) the answer,” Chelsi recalled.
She competed in track and field AAU tournaments, and eventually began competing year-round.
She works out daily, except on holidays, weekends, and the day before meets.
She’s preparing now for the USA Track and Field U20 Outdoor Championships, which will be held June 19-22, and the Nike Outdoor Nationals Meet, at the same time, in Eugene, Oregon.
Headed to UGA: Williams has received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Georgia. She plans to run track there and study to become a veterinarian.
Many colleges were offering her scholarships for her athletic prowess, but she chose the University of Georgia due to its reputable veterinary program.
“I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian,” she said. “I love cats and dogs.”
Secret sauce: Track and Field is a sport that is just as much mental as it is physical. Many athletes have rituals before every meet.
For Williams, it’s going to Olive Garden the night before and getting the shrimp scampi; she’s been doing it since middle school.
She also lays out her uniform and warmup outfit the night before.
During meets, she said she limits distractions and doesn’t study competitors’ times.
“I talk to my dad. He helps level my head.”
During big meets, she also leans on her faith, reviewing a Bible passage from Deuteronomy, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
What’s Next: Williams has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She’d also like to get some Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals.
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Mason Berry of Frostproof Middle-Senior High School has 12 gold metals. Earning 4 every year for the last 3 yrs in the javelin, 100, 200 and 400. Starting in the 6th grade at the age of 11 and in 6th grade.
Thanks to Mary, we have corrected our story. And what a great story Mason is!