Malachi Williams is a senior at Moore High School where he is a member of the Lions’ track team. He says that he has had a few people who have been influential throughout his life, both athletically and educationally.

“A track and field athlete I look up to is Hunter Woodhall,” Williams said. “He is a paralympic sprinter who openly speaks about his journey in the sport and overcoming adversity. In life, I look up to my parents and am grateful for them showing me what it means to be great people. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Schmidt, has had a large influence on my life. She made me feel welcome coming in as the new kid in the community and inspired me to make new friends.”

His teammates have been important in helping Malachi improve and grow as a runner as well.

“I enjoy pushing my teammate Garret Eddy,” Williams said. “We often like to push each other in relays through friendly competition. Another teammate I like to race against is Cory Dean. He’s only a sophomore and proves himself every day, whilst pushing me to run harder and always give maximum effort at practice.”

Being able to reach the level he is currently at is not something that just happened by chance for Malachi.

“It has taken consistency and maximum effort in order to be successful in track,” he said.

Outside of track, Malachi is involved in FUSE (Freshman Using Senior Experience) where he serves as a mentor to freshmen and helps coordinate events and lesson plans for freshman events and other school endeavors. He is also in the National Honor Society and represents track and field in the school’s athletic advisory committee.

Williams also enjoys checking his social media, where he has one person that he likes following the most.

“My favorite person that I follow on social media would have to be Bronny James Jr.,” he said. “He showcases what it means to have talent and remain humble. He also makes a point to have fun in his sport.”