Meet Tilly Williams, the fastest 11-year-old girl in the world
Tilly Williams only started running two years ago, but she has become the fastest 11-year-old girl to run 5000m.
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A young rising South Australian star has broken a world distance running record, cutting an astonishing 19 seconds off the 5000m race.
But Tilly Williams, 11 – who goes to Parkside Primary – doesn’t put it down to any vigorous training, and says she just loves “ to run”.
She started running two years ago, and broke the world record on Friday night, running 5km in 17 minutes and 22.7 seconds.
“Now I’ve got it I’m really happy but now I’ve got another goal to achieve as well,” Tilly said.
Tilly broke the previous record by 19 seconds for a 5km run for those aged under 19, set in Sydney in 2022
Some friends found the time to beat listed online and at the SA State Championships on Friday night against women almost 10 year older, Tilly gave it a shot.
“Some of my running friends told me about it and I was like, wow, it would be crazy if I got that and here I am,” she said.
“It’s really crazy, I was never expecting it.”
The record is not officially recognised by Athletics SA and Australia due to differences across database systems based on eligible age brackets.
Tilly has always loved keeping active, alongside her twin brother Henry and little sister Rosie.
“I am the kind of person who really enjoys the challenge,” Tilly said.
“I really love surfing and I love bike riding and hiking all different kinds of adventure and sports.
In 2021 she started running for herself when she joined her school’s cross country team.
Tilly runs two to three times a week alongside her dad, Mark Williams, or at the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club.
“Everyone is really supportive and it really encourages me,” Tilly said.
“It’s good knowing that my family’s on my side and my friends are on my side as well.
“Usually I just go out and run with my running group and with my dad as well … Because it is like a bond.”
And Tilly doesn’t have a rigorous diet she follows, so her favourite food is still on the menu – her dad’s home-cooked pizza.
“I do love Pepperoni pizza,” she said.
Her drive comes from her “cheer-squad” and inspiration she takes from her running idols like Caitlin Adams, Tara Palm, and her favourite book character – Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
“I could really relate to the main character Matilda because she set herself goals and really had to work hard to achieve them,” she said.
But the 5000m record isn’t the end of Tilly’s quest of running achievements.
Tilly will represent the state in Launceston on Friday to compete in the National 10-12 years Track & Field Championships competition, but has dreams of competing in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“In the long term, maybe, but in the short term, it’s just achieving a goal and then getting to the next one and then achieving that, it’s a long way down,” she said.
Tilly’s dad Mark said that his daughter’s record was a surreal moment.
“You never think that anyone’s going to get a world record at this age, at any age really, it’s just surreal,” Mr Williams said.
“We’re incredibly proud, it’s very important to recognise these achievements, but also to stay very much grounded and just enjoy the other pursuits that she likes.
“She loves her running, but she does so many other things as well and I think it’s really important that the focus is on life rather than just one thing.”
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