Ten Questions with 2008 United States Featherweight Olympian Raynell Williams – (BEIJING, CHINA ) – The United States Olympic Boxing Team returned to training on Monday at Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China. They are now refining their skills as the Olympic Games quickly approach..
Featherweight Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) has enjoyed his time in Beijing, spending nearly much time at the market as he has in the boxing gym. Yet despite his love for shopping, Williams is focused on the upcoming Olympic Games and plans to put a lifetime of hard work in the gym to use when he competes in his first Olympics.
1. How are you feeling now just a few days out from the Opening Ceremonies?
I can’t wait, I’m very excited. This is the biggest stage of my life, I couldn’t wait to get here and I’m here now.
2. How has being on the ground here in China affected your training?
It hasn’t affected it all. Being here just makes me work harder and we’re living in the Olympic village so that just gives me more inspiration to go out there and work harder.
3. What is the most challenging part of being here in Beijing?
Missing my family and friends and my little daughter, but I’m really not thinking about it right now because I’m focused on winning this gold.
4. What is your favorite thing about China so far?
The silk market
5. What was the one thing you wanted to make sure you brought to China?
My band that I got in Chicago at the worlds. They gave it to me at the opening parade and I haven’t taken it off. It says it’s going to happen, and I only take it off when I compete.
6. What is a typical day like here for you in Beijing?
Get up at 6:30 and get ready for strength and conditioning. Leave at two for the gym workout. Then after that, we spar, and if I need to run at night; I go for a 20 or 25 minute run.
7. Are any family and friends coming to China to support you?
My mom and my dad and I think my Uncle Calvin.
8. What does being an Olympian mean to you?
It means everything because at first I wasn’t going to be on the team, but mom pushed me. I’m here now so that means work harder.
9. What is your favorite thing to eat here?
McDonalds at the Olympic Village because they have barbecue sauce.
10. What can people expect to see from you when you finally take the ring at the Workers Indoor Arena?
Amazing, like they say – Amazing Awaits. I worked hard and I’m going to look good in there.
2008 Bantamweight Olympian Gary Russell, Jr. Q & A
(BEIJING, CHINA) The United States Olympic Team will enjoy their final rest day prior to the Olympic Games on Sunday with all nine team members taking time to recover from a week of tough workouts in Beijing. Bantamweight Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.) continues to hone his skills prior to his first Olympic Games, and the 20-year-old pugilist continues to focus all of attention on his dream of winning Olympic gold.
1. How are you feeling now just six days out from the Opening Ceremonies?
Tired, ready to box, and ready to get the competition started.
2. How has being on the ground here in China affected your training?
It hasn’t. I’m still training hard and working hard like I have been for the past year.
3. What is the most challenging part of being here in Beijing?
Getting to my competition weight because the last time I had to make 119 pounds was last October.
4. What is your favorite thing about China so far?
How inexpensive everything is.
5. What was the one thing you wanted to make sure you brought to China?
My bible
6. What is a typical day like here for you in Beijing?
Get up early, work out two to three times a day and go to sleep.
7. Are any family and friends coming to China to support you?
My mother and father as well as my brother, Anthony Brown, and my cousin Bucky.
8. What is your favorite thing to eat here?
Frozen fruit bars
9. What can people expect to see from you when you finally take the ring at the Workers Indoor Arena?
Speed and power