Broadbell, Williams fulfilling Olympic dreams together

PARIS, France:

They are committed to each other, and to their Olympic goals.

It has been a special year for Olympic relay 4x400m bronze medallist Stacey-Ann Williams and Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles champion Rasheed Broadbell, as they now have the opportunity to experience the Paris Olympic Games as competitors and as a couple.

The duo, who are from the Elite Performance Track Club, are sharing the reality of being able to compete in the Games, Broadbell's first outright and Williams' first as an individual competitor.

Broadbell, who retained the national 110m hurdles title in dramatic fashion to make it to Paris, said being able to push each other to their utmost has made their Olympic experience worthwhile.

"I can't even put that into words. I feel like at trials she went before me and she made the team. I was at the sidelines watching and I was like, 'alright it's my time now'." Broadbell said. "She pushes me and I push her. I start on August 4 so I get the Games going before her. She goes on the fifth. So, whichever one goes first, it's just to set the standard and keep it going."

Williams went to the Olympics as an alternate participant in Tokyo three years ago. Having earned her 400m individual spot outright at the national championships and entering as the second-fastest Jamaican this year, has her being appreciative of having someone who is as determined to excel at the highest level.

"It's exciting. I think he is always looking forward to me doing well. I am looking forward to him doing well. So it feels good to know that you have somebody out there that is rooting for you wholeheartedly," Williams said.

Being able to strike the balance between their professional and personal lives has never been an issue, according to Williams. It's knowing how to be at their best when it counts.

"I feel like it is natural for us. We know each other inside and out, so it is just natural for us," Williams said.

The dream would be for both to leave with medals after a hard-fought season, but Broadbell knows that it is never a guarantee, given the stage.

"We want to be there. It's tough because it is the Olympics. It is the highest level yet. I feel like everyone is going to want to go to their full potential, regardless of their situation. You just have to go and execute your best race possible," Broadbell said.