In high school, students are busy trying to juggle a wide range of interests. But, when faced with the choice between digital media and athletics, junior Ryen Williams chose to combine them.
After joining the U-High track and field team in ninth grade, Ryen quickly found a passion for long jumping and running. As he continued training, he noticed it was difficult to maintain motivation. So he started video recording his progress as a way to motivate himself and set goals. What started as a few TikToks after practice quickly evolved into his Instagram account, “imJustrolled,” where he is currently documenting his training journey toward competing at state in May. He records the voiceovers and edits all of the video himself, occasionally featuring teammates.
Ryen said his account allows him to merge his two passions while authentically telling his story and encouraging himself and others.
“There are lanes that we tend to choose; these are the athletes, the art kids, the kids who do photography. This account is a way that I can show that I’m not just an athlete, but someone who can be creative,” he said. “I’m an entertainer. I want people to enjoy what they’re watching. Even if they don’t fully understand what the goal or the journey is, I still think it’s fun to get people involved while combining my athletic and creative side.”
“Rolled” refers to a slang term for a slow runner. By leaning into a term that was once used against him, Ryen has reclaimed the label, channeling the negativity and setbacks into motivation.
The account has helped him focus on his personal goals and worry less about competition. When he was younger, Ryen would compare himself to other athletes.
“I thought that was the right thing to do at the time, but really, that’s what hindered me the most,” Ryen said. “Now I think about fixing small details day by day, but also making sure I’m having fun. If this is something I love to do, regardless of where I end up, I should keep doing it for myself and others.”
Ryen hopes his videos will highlight lesser-known aspects of track and field, broadening viewers’ perspectives.
“Most people think it’s just running, but it’s not, it’s also jumping and field events,” Ryen said. “I love jumping because it’s different. Through my videos, I’ve found that if you show people you’re genuine, they’ll show it back. I want to show a record of how I’ve improved and show people how my track experience has been a journey.”
Joy Smith, a coach of the track and field team, has seen how Ryen has grown as an individual over the years. She said when he first joined the team, he looked up to the seniors. Now, he has a chance to pay forward what he’s learned to the broader team.
“He’s always giving,” she said. “He’s concerned with the full team, not just himself. He helps with drills. When new athletes join the team, they need a demonstration of the drills and he willingly demonstrates for them.”
While the state meet is the goal, Ryen hopes to compete at the collegiate level. He believes the most important lesson he’s learned throughout his time on the team is to be persistent and to have a sense of perspective, one Instagram Reel at a time.
“Just try,” he said. “The reason we hold ourselves back is because we’re afraid to try, we’re afraid to fail. But at the end of the day, what you do now is what you’re going to think about later. Not about the marks you get in school, not the marks you get in athletics, not what your parents or competitors think, but how you feel with what you’ve done.”
