Novlene Williams-Mills
There was much anticipation around who would be selected the female team captain for the 2012 Jamaican Olympic team a few weeks ago. With an exceptional group of women fit for the position only one was chosen. The majority of the team and management stood behind the name of Novlene Williams-Mills. When you hear her story then you will see why she was the perfect fit for the part.
Novlene Williams-Mills is the women’s 400m National Champion with a personal best of 49.63 seconds. She is a very pleasant and fun individual to be around. She is a hard worker with a focused work ethic that doesn’t allow anyone or anything to get in the way of her success. She said her most joyous and prized trait is being a devout, loving and caring wife. She is very confident and is looking forward to leading the team to creating history in London.
TeamJa.org reached out to Clora Williams sister of Novlene who is another decorated athlete for Jamaica to see what she had to say:
“I am very proud of my sister. She is my biggest motivation in life. She inspires me to become a better person and to be good at everything I do. She is always dedicated to whatever she does, she puts her all in to get the best results and for that I am very proud of her. She never quits or gives up no matter what obstacle comes her way she just keeps pressing forward and that’s why I love her so much.”
~Clora Williams~
Clora and Novlene.
There is no doubt that Novlene is the best candidate for the position. Novlene is feeling pretty good right now. This is her third Olympics so far which leaves her more relaxed because she is prepared to use her God given talent to make her country proud. She states:
“The moment you get a chance to represent your country at any major competition it makes you feel good.” She said she is excited and honored to be named captain. “I always want to make my country proud but for me winning and getting to this Olympics has meant so much more to me. There are so many people out there that I want to thank for making this happen for me I have a great support team behind me. My husband, coach Gary Evans, my family and friends they all know who they are. But for me and this particular Olympics the story is deeper. I have been through so many ups and downs over the last few years. While the main goal was making this team, I had a vision and desire to do this for my sister. The past couple of years have been so rough because my sister passed away at such a young age. If feels like she didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the successes with me. Her death was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with. So many times I would cry asking why? So instead of dwelling in grief, I said THIS WILL BE FOR HER cause I know when I make this Olympic team, she will be so proud of me.”
Jameel Mills and Novlene Williams-Mills engagement photo
Jameel Mills and Novlene Williams-Mills on their wedding day
Novlene’s sisters and family are certainly more than proud. As captain of the team Novlene states that she will lead by example. She states that her teammates are all professional and motivated with a desire to make their county proud. Therefore she just simply wishes them well and reaffirms that they have made it so they need to go out there and give their best. She says “if you make it to the Olympics and you are not motivated then you shouldn’t be here.”
Novlene is looked up to by so many women out there and when asked what advice she would give to her female fans she said:
“Ladies first of all the most important thing is that you have to believe that you are beautiful both inside and outside. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. It’s not the clothes that you wear that make you beautiful. You don’t have to wear things that show off your whole body to know that you are beautiful and you don’t have to be a certain size. KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and BELIEVE IT.”
TeamJA.org gives the athletes an opportunity to speak to their fans. In Novlene’s last few words with us she shares:
“I want to give thanks to God and all my fans out there that have been supporting me and cheering me on. As I make one more step toward my dream, there are so many people that I would want to thank personally for the support throughout my life and my journey. I don’t want to leave anyone out so I will not do names. A special thanks to my friends that have been there and my family for never doubting me. To my training partners and coach Gary Evans that push me every day in practices, you have helped make this possible. Last but not least, to my biggest supporter and my rock, MY HUSBAND JAMEEL MILLS, l thank you all for being with me through the downs and the ups.”
Stay tuned to TeamJA.org to hear more random updates from fellow teammates and continue to support Allison Randall as she puts Jamaican Female Discus on the world stage.
Contributed by Jamaican Shot Putter Zara Nothover ~Moving In Faith~
