When Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams isn’t busy helping his team on the Garden parquet, he’s often somewhere else lending his support to other athletes. From the sidelines of a Boston College basketball game to being a visible advocate for the WNBA, Williams is a tremendous cheerleader for athletics of all stripes.
Perhaps it’s no surprise, therefore, that Williams was in attendance for the 2023 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a prestigious annual track and field event. This year’s event was held at the TRACK at new balance, a state-of-the-art facility just a block down the road from the Celtics’ practice facility in Brighton.
It was a high-profile event, with celebrities like Terrell Owens and track star Lolo Jones in attendance as current and future Olympians competed in a variety of events. CelticsWire caught up with Williams to chat about the event.
Williams explained that he’s become a big fan of track and field and that he was excited to see some of the heats. Even the historic cold couldn’t keep Williams from missing the event.
“I’m here to support the runners,” Williams said. “I fell into the sport, and I’m excited to get to see athletes like Grant Holloway. To see so many other people like Leah Brooks, Sydney McLaughlin is here.”
“I just wanted to check it out, I’ll be here for a bit. I’ll hang out with TO, watch the races, watch the jumps, watch the vaults. It’s a fun night.”
The TRACK at new balance is a new facility down the street from the Auerbach Center where the Celtics practice. But even if it wasn’t so conveniently located, supporting sports around the city of Boston is a growing passion for Williams.
“It was lucky to be able to park right at practice, that helped.” Williams joked. “Really, though, I’m trying to be as active and involved as I can. I went to the Boston Cellege-Syracuse game. And I’m going to the Call of Duty major that’s here. I’m just making the most of my off day.”
Williams isn’t just enjoying the spectacle, he’s also learning from his fellow athletes. He marveled at the focus and determination he saw during warm-ups ahead of each track event, and suggested it could help him on the basketball court.
“Their approach to the event,” Williams explained. “They know it’s their last run, they treat each one like it’s their last opportunity. They take full advantage of it.”
Williams and the Celtics are 37-16 and own the best record in the NBA. Boston’s next game is in Detroit this Monday.
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