John Fuller/TheMat.com
Joe Williams has one World medal “a bronze in 2001. However, it is the two times he has been close to medals, fourth in the 1999 World Championships and fifth in the 2004 Olympics, that eat at him.
Recently, Williams continued his domination of U.S. competitors by winning his sixth U.S. Nationals title in men’s freestyle in seven years. But with a new set of international rules, and maybe even some new foreign foes, Williams is once again a favorite to win a World-level medal this year.
TheMat.com spoke with Williams about his close finishes to medals in recent years and how the new rules have affected him.
TheMat.com: You have ultimately dominated the U.S. at your weight class for six years now. Is it tough to get motivated for U.S. competitions at this point in your career?
Williams: Anytime I compete I’m motivated to win. I try to test myself in different areas to make sure that I’m doing the right things in my training.
TheMat.com: Kirk White was able to make a match out of the national finals against you. Were you worried at any point late in that match?
Williams: I just tried to stay focused and win the match.
TheMat.com: Obviously winning an Olympic medal, and ultimately a gold, were your goals last year. How disappointed were you when you didn’t achieve those goals?
Williams: Very, but I think I learned a little about myself and I think it will help me for future competitions.
TheMat.com: With the new rules in place, do you feel you benefit from them or have you been hurt by them?
Williams: I like the new rules, I think it adds a little more excitement to the sport. The rules shouldn’t make a difference. A good wrestler can adapt to rule changes.
TheMat.com: For years you trained at Iowa. Now, you live in Ames. What is the difference between training at Iowa and training at Iowa State?
Williams: Both places have great partners for me to workout with and the fan support is strong here also. Training with Gable in the room at Iowa was always a huge motivator for me. It is definitely a loss not having him around.
TheMat.com: Was there any thought to retiring this after the 2004 Olympics?
Williams: If I would have accomplished my goals, I would have thought about it. Now I have to rethink and evaluate things.
TheMat.com: Is this your last run at an Olympic Games?
Williams: I don’t really know yet, I’m going to take things one step at a time.
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