Get to know WWU Track & Field pole vaulter Christian Williams, who is coming off a 4th-place finish at the GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championships in 2020. Christian is a Seattle native and graduate of Nathan Hale High School. Enjoy getting to know Christian, who is a huge follower of the Vikings on social media on Twitter at @CWNinja206 and on Instagram at @CDub_PV.
 

Q: When did you start pole vaulting at a competitive level?

A: I was first introduced to pole vaulting at age 15 sort of by accident, it was just out of my own curiosity as well as my high school coaches Jamie Wilson's ability to identify that I had the potential to go far with the event. I originally signed up to do track to maintain athletic ability and become faster for football.

Q: You had a great showing at the GNAC Indoor Championships placing 4th…did you have a goal going into that meet and how cool was it to help the team to a second straight GNAC title?

A: It's come to be one of my favorite things, having the opportunity to be able to compete and represent the university. When it comes to goals I tend to set the bar very high (pun intended), but in all actually my main goal was to get some real momentum going for the outdoor season in hopes of consistently vaulting on 15-foot poles and popping off some nice PRs in order to help the team even further. 

Q: What other sports did you play growing up…and did you have a favorite?

A: I always loved playing basketball with my friends from around the way at our local community and eventually teen center, I also spent countless hours skateboarding around my neighborhood and trying out the skate parks around the city of Seattle. Ever since the summer leading into my freshman year of high school I had made a strong commitment to football, despite never playing before then I was welcomed with open arms and learned many priceless life lessons from Head coach Hoover Hopkins and co. Alongside football came wrestling, and eventually track. Unfortunately picking a favorite always leaves me puzzled since each sport means a lot to me for different reasons.

Q: What would you consider to be your best athletic accomplishment?

A: Individually, I would have to go with The U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award that I was unknowingly selected to receive my graduating year of high school for my overall performance and dedication to the school. But I would have to say that it is always a special feeling being able to do your part while also coming together as a team to win a conference championship, there's a sense of relief and satisfaction that goes unmatched. However, my eyes are currently set on the future accomplishments that I plan to earn in the upcoming years that will be even better.

Q: Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

A: I was born and raised in Lake City which is a neighborhood located in the northeast side of Seattle, I've moved around a bit but have always stayed close to home which just so happens to be right up the road from Nathan Hale High School which I attended all four years. I'm really proud of the area I come from and do my best to put on for the city of Seattle.

Q: What is your favorite study spot on the WWU campus?

A: I prefer to study in wide-open spaces or places with a view. My top places to study on campus would have to be the 4th-floor sky bridge of Academic West, the lounge just before you enter the Rec Center, and Carver as a whole.

 
Q: Who is your role model or athletic hero that you look up to?

A: I grew up Idolizing basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant (May he rest in peace), as well as Lebron James simply for the hard work and determination that they showcased and lived by. Dialing it in to track I would have to mention Usain Bolt for the Jamaican connection, as well as triple jumper Will Claye since he is much more than just an Olympian but a rapper and a businessman as well. Lastly, Sam Kendricks and Renaud Lavillenie will always have my utmost respect as my favorite vaulters throughout the years.

Q: What is one thing most people don't know about you?

A: I'm heavily into music as a result of both of my parents being involved in the hip hop industry during the 90s and into the 2000s. I like to stay current while simultaneously educating myself on the thorough history of hip hop and what it means me and others alike who love the culture.

Q: Any hidden talents?

A: I can rap a little bit, all for the fun of it. However, I am learning to produce music as we speak, I always like exploring and learning new things.

Q: In 10 years, Christian hopes to __________?

A: Be successful by my own definition, which is maintaining good health/independence, moving with purpose, and having the ability to enjoy a happy life while having the ability to give back to those that I care about. 


Q: You are an active follower on social media…what is your favorite social media channel and where are you most active?

A: I would have to be honest and say I love seeing my fellow student-athletes get their fair share of shine on @wwuathletics. As of recent @rap, @bleacherreport, and @avpbeach have also been my favorites. Instagram has been my go-to for a while but there's also a lot of comedy on twitter, so I like to tap in with that world as well.

 

Q: Who do you look up to on the WWU Track & Field team?

A: Coming in as a freshman I immediately looked up to JT Konrad since he sort of took me under his wing. I've always had the utmost respect for Hannah Dodson and her undeniable work ethic ever since our vaulting days back at Nathan Hale. Lastly, Koby Okezie and Seren Dances seem to always be locked in and striving to improve with every practice/competition, and that's the type of energy I love to see and strive to have myself.

 

Q: Mac or PC?

A: I can respect a good gaming PC, but both my grandpa's influence along with my personal preference leads me to say that it's Mac all day!

 
Q: Favorite Bellingham restaurant?

A: I've loved going to AB crepes ever since I came to Bellingham It's remained one of my top choices, but there's so much good out here to choose from.