NACAC Gold for McMaster in 400m Hurdles, new national records set by Henry and Erickson

August 16, 2018 by

Source: The Island Sun

By Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

Team BVI at NACAC 2018, Toronto, Canada. Photo credit: Dean “the Sportsman” Greenaway

Kyron McMaster struck 400m Hurdles gold for a third time during a major championship this season, while Eldred Henry and Deya Erickson established national records in the Shot Put and 100m Hurdles respectively, during the 3rd North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Track and Field Championships at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium, in Toronto, Canada.

McMaster who won, dropped the fastest semifinal time of 49.16 seconds on Friday while establishing a stadium record in the process, collared Jamaica’s Annsert Whyte at the 10th barrier in the final, to win the 400m Hurdles in a championships record time of 48.18 seconds on Sunday.

McMaster powered away from Whyte who controlled much of the race in the last 40m to distance himself from his Jamaican rival who ran 48.91 seconds, as McMaster claimed one of the 32 championships records established.

McMaster, who will next see action in the IAAF Diamond League final on Aug 30 in Zurich, Switzerland, said he has been working on some different things during the championships.

“Today we tried a different formula, but I don’t think I executed it as I wanted to,” he said. “There was a lot of wind on the back stretch and from the little knowledge I have of hurdling, running on the backstretch instead of running against the wind, I just ran through the motion with the wind and executed when I felt it was off.”

The way White attacked the race, it left McMaster spent at the end after chasing him down for the victory.

“He kept moving on the backstretch when the wind was attacking so I was like, let me stay calm and not react to anything he may try because I knew once I could execute my curve and the home stretch, I knew it could be a win in my favor and it turned out that way,” he explained. “It feels good to win another gold medal for the British Virgin Islands and I’m just happy that I could deliver, especially with the tough conditions I had to deal with today.”

The with the way the race developed, the battle for the gold McMaster said, came down to who had the best technique over the hurdles.

“Once I saw his technique started to fail at the ninth hurdle, I just attacked and I knew it would have failed again at the 10th hurdle so I attacked again at the 10th hurdle,” he pointed out, nothing that he wasn’t happy with the time. “These days, boys running 46, so you want to keep abreast of the time.”

On Friday, Henry improved his own BVI Shot Put record from the 20.18m effort to win CAC Games bronze, with a heave of 20.63m, to finish fifth.

“I opened with about 19.22, the had 19.80 and on the third one, I really went for it and that’s when I hit my personal best of 20.63, the fourth one was 20.56, then I got a little excited,” Henry said of his series. “I wasn’t surprised. That’s what I’ve been working in practice for the last couple of months. I knew it was there, but it was a matter of putting everything together and getting it in a meet.”

Henry was injured last year and he said the time off made him heal properly and began working in January.

“Everything I’ve been doing is off January’s work,” he noted. “I didn’t really have an off season so I’m kind of surprised with my performances.”

Erickson lowered her 100m Hurdles personal best from 13.98 seconds to 13.80, to place a non-advancing sixth in her heat.

“Running 13.80 is not what I expected to run, I expected to run way faster than that, but I had a lot of hiccups in my race,” Erickson noted. “Hopefully, by next year I can correct all the mistakes and reach the goal I was pushing for this year.”

Erickson’s success is even more remarkable as she returned from a severe 2016 knee injury and Doctors told her she wouldn’t even be running again, but began jogging in October, following Hurricane Irma.

She said her journey has been a simple one—work hard and stay focused, never give up and have faith in your abilities.

“I did rehab for me knee and strengthened areas in my knee that we don’t focus on, areas in him hips, my calves, my quads and my hamstring that we don’t usually focus on,” Erickson noted. “I put a lot of focus on areas that will keep my knee from relapsing and not getting reinjured.”

Tynelle Gumbs was fourth in the Hammer Throw with a measurement of 58.78m her second best mark in a season of limited competition.

“It wasn’t the best that I could have done and I think my technique was a little off today,” she noted. “It wasn’t the worst I’ve had and I did better than as the CAC Games, but it still could have been better.”

Meanwhile, veteran sprinter Tahesia Harrigan-Scott was seventh in the Women’s 100m dash on Saturday, with a time of 11.61 seconds, after turning in 11.62 as one of the fastest losers advancing from the semifinals.

“Making a final is always a good thing, that was my goal, to make it by taking each round at a time,” she said. “I tried to correct the mistakes I made in the semis. It felt better and like I was more aggressive most of the race but just lost it a little at the end, but overall, I was excited to be in the final.”

Long jumper Chantel Malone finished fifth in her pet event and Kala Penn was eight.

“This was probably the worst meet of the season,” said Malone who had a best leap of 6.19 meters while Penn’s best measurement was 6.04m. “I was having trouble gauging the wind today and I just felt kinda flat going into the board, so as a result, I didn’t get the kind of pop I wanted. But overall, I’m not content. I’m hungry for what’s to come in 2019.”

Penn said she wanted to get a personal best but with the current injuries, she was limited and pulled out of the Triple Jump.

“I was happy with my end of the season,” said Penn, who’s heading to the University of Florida on a scholarship later this month.

Shaquoy Stevens had a non-advancing time of 10.52 seconds in the 100m semis but did not advance to the final. He won his semifinal heat in 10.67 seconds.

“It was a pretty ok race, I stayed to relaxed in the drive phase and I paid for it in the end,” Stephens said. “But, I’m satisfied with the performance.”

Trevia Gumbs fouled out of the Shot Put on Sunday afternoon.

“This was a challenging competition for me. I think the nerves got the better of me,” she revealed. “I fouled out in the Shot Put but my Discus was better than in CAC Games. I was really disappointed in how I ended my season but I’m excited to see where 2019 takes me. I see where I have to change. I’ve had a consistent series of mistakes in the past couple competitions, so I know what I have to train for and do in the off season.”

Tarika “Tinkerbell” Moses limped home with a left foot injury in the 400m and was timed in 57.94 seconds.

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Team BVI wraps up Gold Coast 2018 with historic Gold medal and fanfare

April 16, 2018 by

Team BVI at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Queensland, Australia. Photo: BVICGA

Team BVI was led by flag bearer and four-times Commonwealth Games athlete, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott in the Gold Coast 2018 Closing Ceremony on April 15 marking the end of the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games.

“This has been an amazing and emotional Games,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association. “We saw Gold Coast 2018 as an opportunity to inspire the Virgin Islands through sports after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria and hoped that the athletes’ achievements would motivate the territory to tackle new beginnings. Our athletes rose to the occasion with their tremendous effort and individual and team achievements. We believed that this was the strongest team we had yet taken to the Commonwealth Games and their performances have proved it to be the case. We are exceptionally proud of each, and every one of them and thank them for showcasing our nation on the world stage with grit and grace.”

At the end of 10 days of competition in Queensland, Australia, 10 of the VI’s athletes had participated in 9 track and field events and 2 squash events. All track and field athletes completing their events made it through to semi-finals and five went on to compete in the finals. In squash, the VI won the Plate of the men’s singles.

British Virgin Islands Kyron Mcmaster won the men’s 400m hurdles final in a time of 48.25 seconds during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast on April 12, 2018. Photo credit: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

The crowning moment came on April 12 when Kyron McMaster took to his starting blocks in front of a packed stadium in the 400m Hurdles and made history with his 1st place finish in a time of 48.25 seconds and winning the territory’s first medal ever in the Commonwealth Games.

Competing in his first Commonwealth Games, Kyron triumphed for his hurricane ravaged country and in memory of his beloved coach, the late Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels. “My first phase of the race wasn’t what I wanted but I remembered what coach would have told me ‘just in case something like that happens, just stay calm and relax’” said Kyron. “When I saw I was in a position to take control of the race, I did and ran home with the gold. I am very proud that I was able to bring it home for the Virgin Islands.” 2nd and 3rd places went to Jeffrey Gibson of the Bahamas (49.10) and Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica (49.16) respectively.

That same evening, Chantel Malone landed a 5th place in the Long Jump final with a leap of 6.48. This was Chantel’s second appearance in a Commonwealth Games, the first being at Glasgow 2014 where she landed a 4th place with a jump of 6.41. Podium finishers of the long jump were Christabel Nettey of Canada (6.84), Brooke Stratton of Australia (6.77) and Shara Proctor of England (6.75).

Next up were Commonwealth Games debutants, twin sisters Tynelle and Trevia Gumbs competing against a field of 13 in the Discus final. Tynelle hurled the disc 47.04 to place 9th. Top spots went to Dani Stevens of Australia (68.26), Seema Punia of India (60.41) and Navjeet Dhillon of India (57.43). Tynelle’s performance was in her second event of the Games – the first being the Hammer Throw in which she placed 7th overall and attained a Seasonal and Personal Best as well as beating her previous National Record with a distance of 60.97.

Trevia retired early in the Discus final to avoid irritating an injury and to save herself for the Shot Put final.  On April 13, and the last day of competition for the VI, Tynelle improved on her Shot Put qualifier round result of 14.08 with a third attempt throw of 14.12. Top three putters were Danniel Thomas-Dodd of Jamaica (19.36), Dame Valerie Adams of New Zealand (18.70) and Brittany Crew of Canada (18.32).

Eldred Henry joined Trevia in rounding off the VI’s performance at the Games with his seasonal best throw of 50.96 when he competed in the Discus final. The mark was an improvement of his 50.43 achieved in his qualifying round. Medalists in the event were Fedrick Dacres of Jamaica who set a new Games Record with a throw of 68.20, Traves Smikle of Jamaica (63.98) and Apostolos Parellis of Cypress (63.61). On April 9, Eldred had competed in the shot put final. GC2018 was Eldred’s second Commonwealth Games.

Earlier in the Games, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott ran her last race of a Commonwealth Games on April 8 when she crossed the finish line of the 100m semi-finals with a time of 11.63 to place 7th in her field and 13th out of 24 runners in the semi-finals.

On April 10, Ashley Kelly closed out her GC2018 performance with a 53.00 finish in the 400m semi-finals. The time placed her 5th in her race and 14th out of an overall line up of 23 semi-finalists. This was Ashley’s second Commonwealth Games, the first being Glasgow 2014 where she competed in the 200m and 400m semi-finals.

Khari Herbert Jr was disappointed when he pushed out of the blocks in his 400m qualifying round on April 8 and had to retire due to a hamstring injury. This was Khari’s first Commonwealth Games.

Squash Round Up

In squash, Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino ended their GC2018 competitions on April 12 when they played in a hard-fought doubles match against Pakistan’s duo, Tayyab Aslam and Farhan Zaman.

The first game was an exciting round with the BVI taking 8 points. The crowd watched a strong performance from both players with Neville playing some of his best squash for an edge-of-the-seat game. The second game to decide the match was ultimately won by Aslam and Zaman 11-4.

This was the second doubles match that Joe and Neville played at the Games, the first being on April 10 when they were defeated by England’s James Willstrop (CWG 2018 Singles Gold Medal winner) and James Declan (World ranked #25).

GC2018 was Neville’s Commonwealth Games debut and in which he played in the Men’s Squash singles and doubles, and Joe’s fourth appearance at the quadrennial event. The pinnacle for Joe was his win of the Men’s Singles Plate on April 9 when he beat Cameron Stafford of the Cayman Islands 3-1 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11 – 7).

The VI delegation to GC2018 included Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission; Athletics coaches Winston Potter, Joey Scott, Dwight Phillips and Omar Jones; and Squash coach Adam Murrills; Physio Mark Latimer; Attaché Julie-Anne Pearson; CGA Assistant Katrina Pfeffer; BVICGA Secretary General Lloyd Black; and Deputy Premier, Dr. The Honourable Kedrick Pickering.

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BVI athletes overseas secure more PBs and Podium Finishes

February 28, 2017 by
In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

BVI Athletes competing overseas over the weekend of February 24- 26 performed well to secure podium finishes and personal bests.

Continuing in their streak of fine results while at Findlay University, competing at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC )Indoor Track and Field Championships Tynelle Gumbs threw her longest throw of 21.45m (70’4.25″). The throw was an NCAA automatic qualifier for the National Championship meet and it also broke the school record of 69’11.50″, which she set earlier this season. The GLIAC Champion currently ranks 3rd in Division II.

Her twin sister, Trevia also medaled in the women’s weight throw with a 3rd place finish. Her furthest distance measured 19.09m (62’7.50″), which meets the NCAA provisional mark. Gumbs currently ranks 7th in Division II competition.

BVI Hurdler Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner of Clemson secured her first Atlantic Coast Conference medal in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) aiding Clemson to a second place finish with a time of 11:02.68 seconds. Warner ran her 800m leg of the DMR splitting a blistering 2:05 seconds. Clemson’s time qualified the DMR to compete at the NCAA Nationals in Oregon in two weeks. Ms. Warner got a PB of 2:07 in the 800m for 2nd place in her heat and advance to the finals with a time of 2:09.

Jonel Lacey of Albany University placed 5th in the 400m with a time of 56.67 and helped her team place second in the 4 x 400m with a time of 3:47.79 at the American East Conference Indoor Championships in Boston.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite competed in various track events at the Lake Brantley Invitational in Tampa, Fl., results as follows:
• 1st place with a time of 10.77 seconds out of 48 competitors in the 100m
• 1st place with new PB of 21.77 seconds in the 200m out of 47 competitors
• Rikkoi’s IMG Relay Team secured 2nd place in the 4 X 100m

Tarique Moses secured a third place finish in the 600m at Mesa Arizona with a time of 1:24.

 

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New Personal Bests and Titles for BVI athletes abroad

February 22, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Shaian Vandenburg established a new PB in her 60m heat with a time of 7.78 at the Artie O’Connor Invitational, N.Y.

Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner established a new PB in the indoor 200m with a time of 24.74 seconds at Clemson. Warner’s previous best indoor was 25.34 while her best outdoors is 25.23.

Nelda Huggins established a new PB and a new record in her 60m heat with a time of 7.45 seconds breaking her previous PB record of 7.46 seconds and a meet record of 7.53 seconds at the Buena Vista University in IOWA. Later that day, Nelda Huggins won the Buena Vista University 60m equaling her previous PB with a time of 7.46 seconds.

Competing at the University of Findlay, Tynelle and Trevia recorded a 1st and 2nd place in the weight throw with a heave of 19.99m and 19.48 respectively. Trevia’s throw of 19.48m is a new PB and allowed her to secure an automatic qualifier for the Nationals. Trevia was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week for her achievements.

Shaquoy Stephens ran 6.78 seconds in the 60m dash at the Steve Miller Opener in Manhattan Kansas

Tarika Moses won both the 100m & 200m at Fresno Pacific with times of 12.11 and 24.57 seconds respectively

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New National Records set by VI athletes

February 17, 2017 by

Source: VINO

St Augustine University senior Khari Herbert Jr won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia. Photo: MileSplit BVI/File

St Augustine University senior Khari Herbert Jr won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia. Photo: MileSplit BVI/File

The Virgin Islands’ top athletic prospects continue to enjoy improvement and success overseas, with four new National Indoor Athletics Records set during the period spanning February 10-13, 2017.

At the ISTAF meet in Germany on February 10, 2017, Chantel E. Malone placed 4th in the long jump, extending her National Best by 2 cm to 6.67m, finishing behind Olympic bronze Medalist Ivana Spanovic of Belarus and two German internationals. Malone’s mark also places her 9th in the early season rankings.

In Boston, Tynelle Gumbs, now representing the University of Fundlay (Ohio) continued to impress, winning the weight throw with a stellar 21.32m, third best this year among Division II throwers and twentieth in the USA.

She also continued to improve in the shot put, propelling the iron ball out to 13.97m after never having thrown as far as 13 metres prior to this season.

Clemson University freshman Lakeisha”Mimi” Warner, after coming close on two prior occasions, finally secured the national record for 800m, finishing 4th at a home meet in 2:09.37, knocking over three seconds off her indoor best and moving into the top 10 all-time OECS two-lappers (all conditions), ironically dropping clubmate Tarika ‘Tinkerbell’ Moses one spot to 11th.

The final new national record went to Khari Herbert Jr at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the St Augustine University senior won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds and also finished second in the 200 in a personal best (indoor or outdoor ) time, clocking 21.57 as St Augustine’ took the team title in commanding fashion.

Other good weekend performances came from Tahesia G. Harrigan-Scott, who finished third in a photo finish with Jamaica’s Jura Levy (7.32) and Audra Segree (7.33), a time also recorded by the Virgin Islands veteran in the 60 metres.

Finally, Iowa Central College freshman Nelda Huggins, who won the 60 metres in a personal best of 7.46 seconds, stamping her name as one to watch at the Lunior College Championships.

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Podium finishes and personal bests for BVI athletes abroad

February 2, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Associaiton

University of Findlay junior Tynelle Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Female Field Athlete of the Week following her performance at the Elite Throws at the Findlay Classic. It is the second week in a row that Gumbs has earned this award. Photo: University of Findlay

Ashley Kelly opened her season in the 200m with a time of 24.15s to place her second in the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic missing the number one spot by .10s to Shenel Crooke. Ashley’s indoor personal best is 24.07.

Trevia Gumbs placed 3rd in the weight throw with a toss of 17.43m ( 57-02.25 ft) at the Findlay Classic Meet hosted by University of Findlay, Ohio.

Tynelle Gumbs established a personal best in the shot put with a throw of 13.23m (43-06.00 ft) to place 4th. Tynelle also had an opportunity to compete in the elite section of the Weight Throw event to place 2nd with a throw of 20.53m (67-04.75 ft). Tynelle was also named the University of Findlay Athlete of the Week for the 2nd consecutive week.

Jonel Lacey placed 6th in the 200m with a time of 25.06s and aided her teammates in the 4X400m to secure 2nd with a time of 3:44.98 at the Ocean Breeze Complex, Staten Island.

J.H. Phillips Academy student, 13 year old Nechanti Thomas placed 3rd (out of 38 competitors) in the 60m dash with a time of 8.45s at the Birmingham Middle School Indoor Gold Standard Meet.

Tarique Moses placed 1st in his heat in the 600m with a personal best of 1:22.70 seconds to improve his previous 1.25 seconds at Paradise Valley in Phoenix, AZ.

Rikkoi Brathwaite ran the 55m n 6.63 seconds to place 4th out of a total of 128 competitors at the David Oliver Invitation at Winston-Salem NC. Rikkoi also ran the 300m in 37 seconds to place 19th out of 153 competitors.

 

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News of Overseas BVI Athletes

January 27, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Tynelle Gumbs named Findlay University athlete of the week. Photo: Provided

Tynelle Gumbs named Findlay University athlete of the week. Photo: Provided

Lakeisha Mimi Warner placed 4th in her 800 meter run finals at the Clemson Invitational with a time of 2:12.62 which is a personal best indoor time and helped Clemson’s 1600 meter relay team to victory. Ms. Warner posted a third leg time of 55.45 seconds. Ms. Warner also secured a win on Clemson’s 4×400 with a time of 3:41.11 and 4th in the 500m with a time of 1:13.36 and secured 12th place overall in the 200m with a time of 25.34. Ms. Warner clocked 55.47 in the 400. Split at 2:10 in the 800 in the distance medley and ran a 54.5 split on the Clemson’s 4X400 relay. Clemson’s combined effort in the distance medley relay of 11:16.69 puts Warner and her team as the third fastest in the School’s history!

Nelda Huggins won her 60m semi and final with times of 7.83 and 7.67 respectively at the Minnesota State – Alumni Open. Ms. Huggins improved her personal best of 7.67 to 7.64s in the 60m Final at the Jim Emmerich Alumni Invitational; she also had a solid showing in the 200m winning that event with a time of 24.82 seconds. She concluded the evening at same meet and ran the 3rd leg on the 4X400m with a 6th place finish for Central Iowa.

Tynelle Gumbs made her debut for Findlay University in Northwest Ohio Invitational with a throw of 63 feet, 4 ½ inches in the women’s weight throw while twin sister Trevia Gumbs placed eight with a mark of 55 feet, 10 ½ inches. Over the weekend, Tynelle Gumbs won the women’s weight throw with a heave of 66 feet, 4 ½ inches at the Tiffin Dragon Open in Ohio to improve her season best. Ms Gumbs weight throw puts her at 1st Conference and 3rd Nationally Division II. Ms. Gumbs continues her streak at Nationals by establishing a personal best in the Shot with a toss of 13.13m or 43ft-0 5/16”. Ms. Gumbs earned the Findlay University athlete of the week.

Taylor Hill opened her debut for South Plains College as a sophomore with a third place time of 7.82 seconds in her heat in the 60m indoor Sooners Opener and placed 13th overall. She also placed second in her 200m heat with a time of 25.9 placing 14th best time.

Jonel Lacey had a 200m time of 25.82 seconds to finish fourth in her heat at the Great Dane Classic. Ms. Lacey also led off her team’s 1600m relay and finished second overall with a time of 3:52.86. Ms. Lacey ran the 2nd Leg for the University of Albany 4x400m relay team and secured a first place position at the Mulberry Invitational.

Rikkoi Brathwaite placed second with a time of 6.938 in the 60m finals at the LSU High School Indoor Classic.

Adaejah Hodge placed 1st in the 60 meters with a time 8.51 at Martin Luther King invitational in Alabama. At same meet, Ms. Hodge placed 4th in the 400m with a time of 1:07s and 3rd in the 200m with a time of 28.21.

K’Cei Moses placed 3rd overall in the 200 meters at the North Florida Speed Track in a time of 22.44 at the Martin Luther King invitational.

Karene King clocked 39.92 in the 300 to place 4th at the New Balance Games at the Amory track in New York.

Judine Lacey (Freshman of IOWA Central) ran a time of 26.26s for 4th place in the 200m heat and overall 13th in the finals at Jim Emmerich Aluminum Invitational. Ms. Lacey also ran the anchor leg for the 4X400m relay with a 3rd place finish

Khari Herbert opened his indoor season in the 400m with a time of 47.90s

Tarique Moses – as a Vaquero, Central Arizona Freshman ran 1.25 in the 600m to take first in his heat and second overall at Paradise Valley over the weekend.

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Twin athletes sign Letters of Intent with University of Central Florida

November 24, 2016 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs sign off letters of intent with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Photo: Provided

Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs sign off letters of intent with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Photo: BVIAA

BV Islanders Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs signed off on letters of intent with the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando last week Tuesday, November 15th, 2016. While furthering their athletic career, Trevia will pursue a Mass Communications Degree while Tynelle will pursue a Psychology Degree with a minor in Coaching at UCF beginning January 2017.

Head coach of UCF Jeannette Bolden said “I’m extremely pleased with the efforts of our staff in recruiting eight young ladies which include twin sisters Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs.’ Bolden further stated “the three joining us in January will have an immediate impact on our team. This is one of the best, balanced recruiting classes at UCF.”

In telephone interviews with BVIAA Public Relations Officer (PRO) Cleave Farrington, both ladies expressed how happy and excited they are to be attending UCF. “We feel it’s a great opportunity, a great family atmosphere and much closer to home and an institution that will focus on them individually.”

Tynelle will continue to focus on her field events in the hammer and discus throws outdoors and the weight throw indoors while Trevia will focus on the discus, shot put and weight throw and possibly the hammer. They expect their distances in the throws will improve significantly at the University of Central Florida.

Coach Angeleta Bernard and Omar Jones expressed their pride in Trevia and Tynelle and wished the twins much success at UCF as they look forward to great things from them. “They have the eagerness, drive and motivation to do very well – with the extra work it will surely pay off,” said the coaches.

BVIAA President Steve Augustine mentioned how proud he is of the twin sisters. “It’s a great accomplishment for the twins joining UCF – a Division 1 college,” he said. Now that they are in a better environment moving from a Junior college to a D1 college, it can only be expected that the intensity of the training and the exposure that they will get would be greater than what they had in Central Arizona.”

Lynelle Gumbs, the biggest fan of her twin daughters stated “it is exciting and it has been a long journey and I thank God for giving them the opportunity. We their family, are so happy that they are sticking together.”

Both twins expressed gratitude to their foundational coaches Mrs. Bernard and Mr. Jones of the Top Notch Track Club, coach Eric Matthias and to their coach Tony Dougherty of Central Arizona Junior College for the significant roles each has played in their development.

The twins also expressed appreciation to everyone in the BVI Community for supporting them in one way or another on their long journey. They are excited to compete in the NCAA and intend to show everyone what they are made of as they continue to make the BVI proud.

 

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BVI Women Caps Record Setting Day With OECS 4x100m Relay Record

July 5, 2016 by
OECSRelay

BVI relay quartet: L-R: Ashley Kelly, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Chantel Malone and Karene King. PHOTO: Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

By BVI Athletics Assocation

Hosts British Virgin Islands Women’s 4x100m Relay, capped a record setting Day 1 of the 2nd OECS Championships, by breaking the seven-year old OECS mark established by St. Kitts-Nevis in 2009.

In all, 11 Championships Records and eight All Comers Records were established on the A. O. Shirley Grounds, under overcast conditions.

With non OECS member Puerto Rico looking to solidify their No. 16 ranking for next month’s Rio Olympic Games and hosts BVI seeking to improve on their 44.05 seconds mark, starter Ashley Kelly-coming off taking down the championships 400m record and also a BVI national mark-got them off to a good start but Puerto Rico’s sprinter Beatrice Cruz gained some ground.

Cruz’s gain was suddenly taken back with veteran sprinter Taheisa Harrigan-Scott, who ran a stellar second leg to hand off to Long Jumper Chantel Malone. Malone, with a slight lead passed off to Karene King ahead of Genoiska Cancel.

With the hometown faithful on their feet, anchor leg King stormed home trying to hold off the charging ex Southern California All American Carol Rodriguez, who nipped her at the the line in a Puerto Rican National Record of 43.43 seconds, to break their six-year old mark of 43.46. The BVI finished in 43.45 seconds-their first time under 44.00-and in the process wiped out St. Kitts-Nevis’ OECS Record of 43.53. St. Kitts-Nevis-with two members of their 2009 record setting squad in the lineup-placed third in 45.19.

Puerto Rico’s time erased the three-year old All Comers Record of 43.97 seconds set by Canada in 2013.

With three teams in the lineup-OECS Record holders Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts-Nevis and non OECS member Barbados all of whom had run 38.65 seconds or faster-the soft eight-year old All Comers Record of 41.10 seconds established by Puerto Rico was going to fall.

Barbados in particular, ranked No. 17 among relay teams eyeing a spot in Rio, came to the meet needing to run 38.59 seconds, which would have bumped Cuba from the No. 16 position.

St. Kitts-Nevis got out fast, holding a lead through the first three legs before the serious running began.

By the time the pecking order was established at the finish, Antigua and Barbuda’s Miguel Francis-with the second fastest 200m time in the world this year of 19.88 seconds and coming off winning the 100m in 10.34 seconds-ran past Barbados’ Mario Burke to win in 38.91 seconds a Championships Record, wiping out St. Kitts-Nevis’ 39.38 time from 2014. Barbados followed in 39.11 and St. Kitts-Nevis got to the line in 39.39.

The Championships Records began falling when, the BVI’s Harrigan-Scott ran a season’s best of 11.25 seconds-just 03 off her 11.22 All Comers Record from 2010-to win the 100m and erased Dominica’s Hermine Joseph’s 11.83 seconds from 1991, in the earlier version of the championships.

Kelly then followed with a Championships Record, after measuring her steps to nip fast starting and defending champion Kineke Alexander of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the tape, 52.29-52.30. It was a personal best and National Record, erasing the 52.35 established by Malone in 2010. Grenada’s Kanika Beckles was third in 53.37.

In the men’s 400m race, St. Kitts-Nevis’ Warren Hazel had a comfortable 46.30 seconds victory over the BVI’s Khari Herbert who ran 46.63, and destroyed his countryman Lestrod Roland’s meet record 47.67 from 2014. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Brandon Valentine-Parris, finished third in 46.77.

The next meet and All Comers Record to fall on the track came when St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Delhonni Nicols-Samuel lapped everyone except second placer Reon Radix, to win the 5000m in 15 minutes, 08.62 seconds. Grenada’s Radix, ran 15:59.09 while countryman Tallan James was third in 16:38.55. Nicols-Samuel’s time, erased St. Lucia’s Jason Sayers All Comers mark of 15:40.32, from 2002.

Marbeq Edgar led a St. Lucian 1-2 finish in the 800m, while erasing Antigua and Barbuda’s Dale Jones’ 26 year old mark of 1 minute 53.5 seconds covering the two circuits in 1:50.22 as the new Championships Record. Michael James was second in 1:51.30 and St. Kitt-Nevis’ Masai Jeffers, third in 1:53.25.

Tynelle Gumbs of the BVI, started off the field events record spree, when she added more than 10 meters on to St. Vincent and the Grenadine’s 37.32m mark from 2014, for a Championships, All Comers and National Record, with her 47.51m measurement. Twin sister Trevia was second with a throw of 43.93m, while St. Kitts-Nevis’ Stavia Lewis also went over the old mark with her 38.74m effort.

In the men’s equivalent, BVI strongman Eldred Henry claimed the 26-year old meet record of 49.22m established by Dominica’s Brian Bynoe, with a third round throw of 53.22m. Henry’s mark also wiped out Eric Matthias’ 51.51m 2008 All Comers Record.

With the Triple Jump being contested for the first time in the history of the championships, St. Lucia’s Sandisha Antoine laid down the standard with a fourth round 13.38m leap, after opening with 13.34m, to break Malone’s eight-year old All Comers Record of 12.40m.

Dominica’s Thea LaFond was second after cutting the sand at 12.70m while Kala Penn of the BVI secured third place with her second round leap of 12.39m.

St. Kitts-Nevis’ Jermaine Francis took down the BVI’s Raymond Solomon’s 25-year old High Jump Championships Record of 2.10m and Karl Scatliffe’s All Comers Record of 2.13m, with his leap of 2.16m.

After Day I, St. Kitts held a five points advantage over St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 65-60, in the Men’s Division. Grenada is third with 46. The BVI has 33, St. Lucia, 31, Antigua and Barbuda 26, Dominica 18 and Montserrat 8.

In the Women’s Division, host BVI amassed 69 points followed by Grenada with 42. St. Kitts occupies third place with 29, one ahead of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Defending champions St. Lucia is in fifth place with 15. Antigua and Barbuda is on 11 points, Anguilla 10 and Dominica 8.

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Tynelle Gumbs Dominates Region I Championships

May 12, 2016 by
Photo courtesy of Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway

Photo courtesy of Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

By BVI Athletics Association

Central Arizona College sophomore Tynelle Gumbs, systematically dominated the Region I Championships, winning three of the four throws, ahead of the upcoming National Jr. Colleges Athletics Association Championships on May 17-19, at South Plains College, in Levelland, Texas.

Tynelle used a personal best and National Record throw of 47.76m to win the Discus Throw, upping her best from 47.36m. Twin sister Trevia finished second with a mark of 42.08m.

In her final season representing Central Arizona College, Tynelle was coming off winning the Hammer Throw with a 52.21m effort. Trevia missed second place by a centimeter, with her 46,24m toss. Tynelle won her third event of the competition in helping Central to win the title with 309 points, after a season’s best of 40.57m in the Javelin Throw. Trevia produced a season’s best 13.36m mark in the Shot Put to finish third, with Tynelle placing fourth with 12.74m.

“I’m extremely happy about winning three of the four throws, that’s a big accomplishment,” Tynelle said. “I think the biggest thing for the Discus was staying relaxed and listening to my coach, especially when he said ‘push all the way through the Discus.'”

She said she’s feeling good heading into Jr. College Nationals along with her sister. “I’m excited to see what everyone brings to the table, but more excited to see how well I throw,” she stated. “The ultimate aim is to break the Hammer Throw record which is over 60m, so hopefully, that happens.”

St. Augustine Jr. Khari Herbert, tuned up for the upcoming NCAA Division II Championships in Bradenton, Florida, May 26-28, with a season’s best and second place finish in the 400m at the Liberty Invitational. He had a time of 46.63 seconds.

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