Since his time as a professional track and field athlete, Bernard has transitioned his career serving as a mentor and coach for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes of all sports. He also conducts speed clinics and performs motivational speaking for both athletic and non-athletic organizations.
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Bernard has spent the last 6 years coaching at McDonogh School, in the role of head coach during the 2024-2025 track season. Bernard was selected as the Baltimore Sun All-Metro Coach of the Year. The McDonogh girls track and field team has earned and defended their status as IAAM Conference Champions in each of the past 4 years. Additionally, McDonogh had its highest number of high school national qualifiers during the 2025 season, including 2 national champions at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals.
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Bernard officially began coaching at Stevenson University during the 2024-2025 season, however contributed to the success of the 4 x 100m men’s MAC conference championship team in 2019. The highlight of the 2024-2025 season was Stevenson’s men’s indoor 4 x 400m relay earning the silver medal at the MAC Championships and the team qualifying to complete in the NCAA Championships. Additionally, the relay team set a new school record in the event at the Penn Relays.
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Bernard Williams was born in Baltimore, Maryland and attended Carver Vocational Technical High School. Following graduation, Bernard attended Barton County Community College in Kansas, on his way to the University of Florida where he became a 2-time NCAA Champion and Pan American Champion. Bernard then left school to pursue professional track and field, and became an Olympic Gold Medalist in 2000 (Sydney), US National Champion in 2003, World Champion in 2003 (France), and Olympic Silver Medalist in 2004 (Athens). Bernard continued his education and graduated in 2008 from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Bernard was inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
