Wendy Williams (diver)

Wendy Lian Williams (born 14 June 1967) is a retired American diver. She won a bronze medal in the 10 metres platform event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Additional medals that Williams won include a gold at the 1989 FINA Diving World Cup and a bronze at the 1991 World Aquatics Championships. After ending her diving career in 1992, she worked for NBC as a sports commentator.

Wendy Williams
Personal information
Full nameWendy Lian Williams
Born (1967-06-14) June 14, 1967
St. Louis, Missouri
Medal record
Women's diving
Representing the United States
World Diving Cup
1989 Indianapolis10 m platform
Olympic Games
1988 Seoul 10 m platform
World Aquatics Championships
1991 Perth 10 m platform

Early life and education

WIlliams was born on 14 June 1967 in St. Louis, Missouri.[1] She spent her childhood in Bridgeton, Missouri and competed in sports when she was growing up.[2] For her post-secondary studies, Williams went to the University of Miami for psychology.[3]

Career

As a college athlete, Williams appeared at the 1985 Summer Universiade.[4] At the end of her time at the University of Miami, she won a gold and two bronzes at the 1989 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming and Diving Championships.[5] In international competitions, Williams won gold at the 1989 FINA Diving World Cup and was 5th in the women's 10m platform event at the 1990 Goodwill Games.[6] The following year, she placed in third at the 1991 World Aquatics Championships in the 10m platform.[7]

At the Olympics, Williams won a bronze medal in the platform event at the 1984 United States Olympic Diving Trials but did not qualify for the 1984 Summer Olympics.[2] At the following Olympics, she won another bronze in the 10 meter platform event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Williams ended her diving career in April 1992 due to injury and became a sports commentator for NBC.[8]

Awards and honors

In 1989, Williams was named the diver of the year in the NCAA. Williams was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.[7]

Personal life

In 1996 Williams changed her name to Chaya Grace. In 1999 she married Jamie Champion, and officially became Chaya Grace Champion. Their business, The Vibrancy Path, helps people discover and live in alignment with their soul's purpose.


References
  1. "Wendy Lian Williams". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  2. Litsky, Frank (31 July 1988). "Diver Is Determined to Reach Goals". New York Times. p. 008. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  3. Slater, Jim (30 July 1990). "Profile of a possible 1992 Olympian: Wendy Lian Williams". UPI. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  4. Weyler, John (20 April 1990). "It Hasn't Exactly Been a Model Life for Wendy Williams". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  5. Robb, Sharon (26 July 1989). "Model-student Williams Gives Up Final Year Of Eligibility At Um". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  6. "GOODWILL GAMES : ROUNDUP : Chinese Diver, 11, Wins Gold Medal". Los Angeles Times. 5 August 1990. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  7. "Wendy Williams". University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  8. Hebert, Steven (20 June 1992). "She Takes a Turn for the Drier". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
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