I have a copy of an interview that Williams gave in which he talks about the $10k to $1.1 million. His objective was to build market presence (get noticed), and he has used that presence to good effect. He was absolutely clear that he does not trade that way all the time, nor does he recommend that anyone else do.
I heard a talk given by a trader in my area in which he showed actual statements. He took $25k to $4 million in slightly over one year, then retired from trading. I don't see how any mere mortal could stand that kind of volatility.
These cases make great storytelling, but for those of us trying to make a living (vs. a legend), there's not a lot of relevance.