Roisin Willis is a name that has been making headlines in the world of track and field. At just 18 years old, she has already established herself as one of the most promising young middle-distance runners out there. Her recent achievements have left the world in awe and have sparked curiosity about the person behind her success – her coach.
Back in February 2022, Willis made history by shattering the U.S. high school indoor 800m record with a time of 2:00.06 at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston. This record had previously been held by Sammy Watson since 2017, making Willis’ feat even more impressive. But this was not the first time she had caught the attention of the track and field community.
Willis first burst onto the scene in 2019 when she won the 800m title at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet, setting a new personal best of 2:02.74. She continued to dominate the high school circuit, winning multiple state titles and setting new records along the way. However, it was her performance at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials that truly put her on the map.
At just 17 years old, Willis qualified for the Olympic Trials and went on to finish fourth in the 800m final, just missing out on a spot in the Tokyo Olympics by one position. Her impressive performance caught the attention of many, including her now coach, Derek Thompson.
Thompson, a former professional runner himself, has been coaching Willis since she was 13 years old. He first noticed her potential when she ran a 5:02 mile at the age of 12. He saw something special in her and knew he wanted to help her reach her full potential.
Under Thompson’s guidance, Willis has continued to improve and set new records. But it’s not just about the physical training for Thompson, it’s also about the mental aspect. He believes in building a strong mindset and instilling confidence in his athletes.
In an interview with LetsRun.com, Thompson said, “I think the biggest thing is the mental side of things. Just the confidence that she can compete with the best in the country and be competitive at a high level. I think that’s the biggest thing that I’ve been able to instill in her.”
This mindset has certainly paid off for Willis, as she continues to break barriers and defy expectations. But it’s not just about the records and medals for Thompson, it’s about helping his athletes become the best versions of themselves both on and off the track.
In an interview with MileSplit USA, Thompson said, “I want to make sure that she’s not just a great athlete, but a great person. Someone who is going to go out and make a difference in the world.”
Thompson’s coaching philosophy has clearly had a positive impact on Willis, who has not only excelled in track and field but also in the classroom. She is a straight-A student and has committed to run for Stanford University next year.
As Willis continues to make waves in the track and field world, it’s clear that her coach has played a significant role in her success. Thompson’s dedication and belief in his athletes have helped Willis reach new heights and become a role model for young athletes.
With the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, all eyes will be on Roisin Willis as she competes in the 800m event. And behind her every step of the way will be her coach, Derek Thompson, the mentor behind the track star. As she continues to break records and inspire others, one thing is for sure – the future is bright for Roisin Willis and her coach.
