Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Zavien Williams

Zavien Williams, an eighth-grade student at Windermere Prep, took first place at the Jim Ryun Season Opener Cross Country Race in Lakeland Aug. 27. Williams finished his 3K run with a time of 10:48 — a personal best — beating the runner-up in the Middle School Boys division by a remarkable 17 seconds.

You set a personal record and took first place by a wide margin. What was that like, and how do you stay focused when you are that far in the lead?

Everybody ran (well), but I thought there would be somebody running with me the whole time. (When I’m ahead by that much) I just think of racing against myself.

What do you enjoy about running?

Running actually calms down stress. I like running, because I’m good at it and I’d like to prove to the state or world one day that I’m fast.

What do you think about when you are running a race?

I think about finishing and the breakfast right after.

What is your favorite post-race breakfast?

Chocolate-chip pancakes with eggs, hash browns and chocolate milk.

Do you have a current or former Windermere Prep athlete who you look up to?

I look up to Franco Martins, who graduated from here two years ago. He taught me you can be a good teammate. … You can have good sportsmanship and he’s a good friend, too.

Do you participate in any other sports beside cross country?

I play basketball and run track.

What’s a good movie that you’ve seen recently and what did you like about it?

I watched “Captain America: Civl War.” I liked it. It was action-packed, and I like action-packed movies.

If you could be any superhero, which would you be and why?

I would be Captain America, because he’s a leader and I want to be a leader. A leader is respected, and you can change people.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

I like social studies, because I like learning about history and geography.