The ultimate sports expert
Being the baby brother of New Zealand’s first and most famous Olympic gold medal winning woman, Roy Williams decided very early on that he wanted to make his own mark on the world.
‘‘Deep down I knew I couldn’t replicate Yvette’s achievements and win a Olympic gold medal like she had done at Helsinki in 1952 and set a world record,’’ he said.
‘‘I didn’t want to be known as Yvette Williams’ little brother, even though I admired her immensely and she inspired me to want to achieve great things, I needed to have my own goals.’’
Roy Williams’ story is one of astounding success and one of a man who refused to live in someone else’s shadow.
A Commonwealth Games decathlon gold medallist, World and New Zealand record setter, New Zealand Sportsman of the Year recipient, Williams is also a renowned sports journalist who through his trade travelled the world following All Black teams and other sporting codes.
He not only knows what it takes from a physical point of view to compete at the highest level, he also knows the psychology behind being the best in a chosen sport.
You could say he’s the epitome of someone who has sport running through his veins or in his own words: ‘‘Someone who is sports crazy’’.
Born in Dunedin, his dad was an Australian-Italian and his mum a Kiwi.
His mum was a Highland dance champion and his dad was a huge cricket fan, but neither one of his parents seriously participated in sport.
Sibling rivalry was very much alive and well in the Williams’ household.
Favourite pastimes included wrestling on the back lawn until either one of them passed out or racing around until they could run no longer.
‘‘We were very competitive, but Yvette was always very kind to me, even though she would occasionally beat me up in our wrestling matches,’’ he laughed.
His sister’s sport soon prompted her move to Auckland for better training opportunities.
And because of their mum’s struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and the need for a warmer climate, it wasn’t long before the rest of the family followed.