Born in the United States, both her parents moved from Jamaica to the United states in the early 1990s. “”When I first started, everyone had told me, ‘You’re the first gymnast to compete for Jamaica,’ and I never realised – you’re the first gymnast for an entire country. I never realised how big that was. I never allowed myself to think that highly of myself before, but I do recognise it now. It helps me stay humble and keeps me going through this crazy journey.” (olympics.nbcsports.com, 23 Oct 2015)
She suffers from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that sometimes flares up during competition. She was diagnosed with the condition at age 14. (olympics.nbcsports.com, 23 Oct 2015; umms.org, 20 Sep 2015)
Toni-Ann finished 54th in Individual All-Round with 50.966 points.
Toni-Ann Williams: “Today, I became the first Jamaican Gymnast to compete at the Olympic Games. There are no words to describe the mix of emotions that I am feeling right now. I had some mistakes in my performances but I am happy that I was able to show the kids of Jamaica that there isn’t a barrier that can’t be broken. I appreciate all of the love and support from the people and the country that I love. Special shoutout to my coaches @calcoachjustin , @oceanluvr1027 , and Mladen Stefanov for helping me through this amazing journey.”
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Floor event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Thomas COEX
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Floor event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Thomas COEX
Track and Field events commence on Friday August 12, 2016.
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Uneven Bars event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Antonin THUILLIER
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Uneven Bars event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Antonin THUILLIER
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Uneven Bars event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Antonin THUILLIER
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Beam event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Ben STANSALL
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Beam event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Ben STANSALL
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams competes in the qualifying for the women’s Beam event of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP / Ben STANSALL
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