Track & Field family to help clean up A. O. Shirley Ground

December 8, 2017 by

Source: BVISports.com

The A.O. Shirley Recreation ground suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Irma. Photo: BVISports.com

President of the VI Athletics Association, Mr. Steve Augustine has organized the Track and Field family to lend a helping hand to the ongoing clean-up of the A.O. Shirley Ground, this Saturday, December 9.

According to Augustine, the Track and Field family will be out in numbers to continue with the clean-up in order to get their new season of 2018 Development Meets underway in nicer, safer conditions.

“The Track and Field family is very large and we will have a wealth of persons out there to assist. We will have bins and 3 yard trucks on site to take care of the larger items, like the mangled stands and the smaller items that have been scattered around we are just going to tidy up, so hopefully in a few weeks-time there will be some nice grass around the edges ahead of the Development Meets for 2018,” said Augustine.

Public Works and the City Manager’s office had begun the process and put a lot of time and effort into getting the grounds back to a usable state and now the Track and Field family will add its efforts.

Augustine has also made sure the IAAF, the association’s governing body, is aware of the issues as well as other regional bodies.

President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn stated that funding has been found to replace the track surface.

“We are tapping into various resources at Olympic level to see how we can help rebuild and restart many of our member sports and one thing we have been able to secure is funding from Pan Am Sports, which used to be PASO, to have Mondo replace the entire track.”

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: , , ,

Farley and Mays win 12th Deloitte-Ogier BVI Half Marathon

December 4, 2017 by

Source: BVI News

54 runners took part in the Deloitte-Ogier BVI Half Marathon on December 3, the first race in the BVI since Hurricane Irma. Photo: Dean “the Sportsman” Greenaway

Julius Farley and Maria Mays made it to the top of the podium in the 12th annual Deloitte-Ogier BVI Half Marathon, sweeping major trophies and other prizes on the way.

Farley won the event in a time of 1.32.06 competing in the male category, while Mays stopped the clock in a time of 1.54.01 competing in the female category.

Reuben Stoby came in second behind Farley in a time of 1.38.38 and Paul Mellor, third place in 1.41.12.

Karen Figser came in at number two in the female category with 1.58.48 and Rosemond Johnson third with 2.01.29.

The event which was held on Sunday,December 3 saw runners charting a new course, beginning and ending at the Tortola Sports Club (TSC) in Pasea Estate. Runners had to go through Road Town into Sea Cows Bay and back, while the 10k race was from the gate at Sensus car park at Manuel Reef and back.

Following the prize-giving ceremony, the two top runners in the male category shared their views of the race:

“I just went out and run my normal race and managed to make it,” Farley remarked. “Today was kind of hot but we managed to complete it. Despite the hurricane and the cancellation of so many other races we were able to pull off this one today.”
He has been a participant for four years now.

Reuben Stoby also was pleased of his second place victory. “It was a wonderful race! Julius and I have been battling in Road Racing in pretty much in every way; 5k, 2 miles, 10k and the half marathon and today he was really strong.”

A total of three teams participated- KPMG 1, KPMG 2 and Governor’s Beauties.

In the 10k, Gillian Plaxton won in the female category, while in the male, Andrew Fraser won.

In  second place in the male category was Phil Nelson, and in the third was Neil Day.

In the female category, Vanessa King came second followed by Jane Thorpe.

Director of the BVI Runners, Kay Reddy says due to the 6am curfew, the race began at 7 when the sun was already up making it a hot run.

Additionally, she explained that organizers had considered scrapping the race which was the first to be held post-Hurricane Irma.

“We were absolutely delighted because this year after [Hurricane] Irma we decided not to do any formal race,” said Reddy.  “We decided to have a little home race this year, just to do it casually, just for fun, just to see how people feel. I had planned for about 30 runners and I am absolutely delighted to note that 54 signed up. So it was a great race given the circumstances. The race turned out better than anticipated.”

Reddy also promised a full racing schedule next year.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , ,

Sports back on track after Hurricanes Irma and Maria

November 23, 2017 by

Source: BVI Platinum

Sports back on track after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Photo: Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News

Despite the obvious devastation at the A.O. Shirley Recreational Grounds, the facility is once again buzzing with activity, as BVI student athletes hit the track in preparation for the track and field season, which starts in January.

Amid the damaged fixtures which lay waste all around the blue track, athletes of different ages, from various schools and local track clubs, train at different times each day.

They all have different goals and track meets to attend in the upcoming season. But all agree that Hurricane Irma and her trail of destruction were not enough to stop them from representing the BVI next year.

“We never stopped. We were back in training probably as early as a week after Irma. We are competing internationally with countries like Jamaica, the US and places in Europe, and those athletes don’t stop so we can’t stop,” said track coach Willis Todman from Sprint Tech.

He is currently preparing three female athletes from the Elmore Stoutt High School, who were engaged in a training session while he spoke to BVI Platinum News.

He explained that even student athletes at the elementary level are in training in preparation for various competitions next year.

“Track and field for us is a business. Most of these kids in the BVI will be looking to go to colleges soon, so they need to be prepared so they can be picked up by recruiters who attend these events,” Todman related.

He revealed that next year, high school students are set to compete at the annual CARIFTA games, OECS Games, World Junior Championships and some meets in the United States.

Once recruited to compete for overseas colleges (especially in the United States), BVI student athletes are paid up to $70,000 a year, to cover living expenses, tuition and books. This avenue is a lucrative one for juniors who get the opportunity to attend college free of cost, while doing track and field – something they enjoy.

Many are hoping to follow in the footsteps of 20 year-old BVI native Nelda Huggins, who was recently recruited by the University of Texas and is now ranked number 1 female junior athlete in the US for the women’s 100m event.

Kyron McMaster is also another BVI athlete who offers much hope to aspiring track stars in the Territory.

McMaster was coached locally by the late Xavier ‘Dagg’ Samuels and signed to colleges in the US before becoming the fastest 400m hurdler this year.

Todman said the BVI continues to show excellence in track, adding that a recruiter from a United States college travelled to the BVI last week, to express an interest in recruiting 16 year-old sprinter Beyoncé Defreitas, who is now under his tutelage.

“Last year she was the silver medalist at the the 200m at the Junior Commonwealth Games and that coach came down to show his face and express an interest. But it comes down to where Beyoncé will feel comfortable at the end of the day,” Todman explained.

Defreitas agrees with her coach and told BVI Platinum News that she is waiting to see the other colleges that will express an interest in her before she picks an overseas university to compete for.

She is confident that she will be ready for next season, but admits that Irma did affect her focus for a while.

Photo Credit: Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News
“It did slow me down for the first month, a little bit, but not much. Right now we trying to perfect form and I am pretty sure I’m gonna get it down pat before the season starts,” Defreitas said with a smile.

Another athlete, 14 year-old Akrissa Eristee, said despite the impact of Hurricane Irma, she is confident that BVI athletes can still compete with top athletes in the Caribbean and the world next year.

“I am confident that we can bring it, just as hard. I feel confident that I am gonna reach my goals,” Akrissa said.

She added that the resilience of the BVI people in the aftermath of Irma will inspire her to do her best next season.

She encouraged other student track athletes to stay focused and committed to the sport, despite various challenges they may face.

“Just stay focused and know that you really have to want it,” Akrissa said.

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Nelda Huggins makes her mark in USA as NJCAA’s #1 ranked 100m sprinter

November 16, 2017 by

Source: BVI News

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in the USA has ranked BVI sprinter, Nelda Huggins at number one for the women’s 100 metres, and at number seven for the 200 metre-dash. Photo: Provided

Local sprinter Nelda Huggins is making massive strides in the United States (US).

The 20-year-old athlete, who is in her final year at a junior college in the US, has caught the eye of a number of top-notch universities that are willing to shell out big bucks to sign her to their respective athletic programmes.

Huggins has been approached by schools such as University of Alabama, University of Iowa, and University of Oklahoma.
However, it was the nationally-acclaimed University of Texas that was successful in its bid to sign the rising British Virgin Islands track star.

“I felt it was a good decision for me because Texas is a big school for sprinting. Going there is a great opportunity and it should be a great experience… Texas was the best pick out of all of them,” Huggins said during an interview with BVI News.

Texas University has promised Huggins a full scholarship comprising tuition and boarding.

She said signing with the school comes with a number of other perks. “For athletics I’ll be provided with a masseuse, chiropractors, and a nutritionist to maintain my body weight and overall standard of a track athlete. They are offering everything that could keep my body healthy.”

As for the academics package, Huggins said: “They have offered counseling, and I have access to the things that will make me a top student.”

She is scheduled to attend university next September.

Meanwhile, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in the US has ranked the BVI sprinter at number one for the women’s 100 metres, and at number seven for the 200 metre-dash. “I was also the 60-metre national champion and I was the record holder for my school [at Iowa Central Community College].”

“For me, making a big name as a small island country student actually makes them see that Nelda Huggins is a hard worker and that the BVI has talent,” said Huggins who is from East End on Tortola. “Being from a small island of just 24 square miles and standing out in the United States of America feels really good because I want to help bring the island on the map,” added Huggins.

The sprinter said she plans to run all the way into professional athletics, adding that she attended St Jago High School in Jamaica primarily so she could train.

Huggins hopes to represent the BVI at the next staging of the Commonwealth games.

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Kyron McMaster wins Men’s 400m hurdles in Zurich Diamond League, Switzerland

August 25, 2017 by

Source: BVI Platinum

https://youtu.be/3lIxDf6ZpYk

National record holder, Kyron McMaster has produced another outstanding performance on the world stage, to win the Men’s 400m hurdles in Zurich Diamond League, Switzerland on August 24.

His time was 48.07 seconds, just a touch slower than his 47.80, a world-leading time for 2017, which he established in May during the Jamaica invitational.

The time was good enough to beat the reigning World Champion Gold Medalist, Karsten Warholm of Norway, and Bronze Medalist, Kerron Clement of the USA.

This comes just over a month after he placed second in the 400m Hurdles at the 2017 IAAF Diamond League, Muller Anniversary Games in London last month.

 

McMaster, who is trained by one of the Territory’s longest-serving coaches, Xavier “Dag” Samuels, has his eyes set on the world record of 46.69 seconds.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , ,

Mr. Rey O’Neal, OBE receives “IAAF Plaque of Merit” at 51st IAAF Congress

August 2, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Rey O’Neal, OBE recipient of the “IAAF Plaque of Merit” is
flanked by BVIAA President Steve Augustine (L) and BVIOC President Ephraim Penn at the 51st IAAF Congress. Photo: BVIAA

Mr. Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE received an extraordinary honour from Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) at the opening ceremony of the 51st IAAF Congress.

The “IAAF Plaque of Merit”, awarded for meritorious services to World Athletics,” was presented to Rey in recognition of his 40-plus years of service to the world of track and field, particularly in the North America, Central America and Caribbean region (NACAC). Mr. O’Neal has made enormous contributions to the success and the development of the sport of Track and Field. The recipients for each IAAF area included:

AAA – Fumihiro Yamasawa (JPN)
CAA – Aleck Skhosana (RSA)
CONSUDATLE – Wilfredys Leon (VEN)
EA – Clemens Prokop (GER)
NACAC – Reynold O’Neal (IVB)
OAA – Fletcher McEwen (AUS)

O’Neal was one of the founding members of the BVI Amateur Athletic Association (BVIAAA), in 1970 and became President later that year, a stint that lasted until 1973. In 1978, he assumed the office once more and retained the position until 2004 when he stepped down in favor of his protégé, Ephraim Penn,

In 1975, Rey O’Neal, along with Johnny Hassan led the first British Virgin Islands to compete in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Athletics Championships, held that year in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The BVIAAA then gained international recognition as a member of the IAAF. At that time, except for softball, there were no other national sporting associations /federations affiliated to their international governing bodies.

Over the years, Mr. O’Neal held several positions in track and field, first as a member of the CAC Technical Committee and for several years as a member and then chairman of the CAC Statistics Committee. Additionally, as a member of the IAAF Statisticians, O’Neal often functioned as a resource person for several regional Federations and helped to select the teams that would represent the Americas at the IAAF World Cup. He became the Vice-President of North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) Athletic Association in 1997 and held the position until he resigned in 2003.

O’Neal also served as a member of the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Confederation (CACAC) Executive Committee for 19 years. He was chosen to lead the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Athletics Commission in 1991. In 2003, O’Neal was awarded the IAAF Veteran’s Pin and the following year was named to the CAC Hall of Fame.

Steve Augustine, President of the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) along with Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee and other BVIAA executive members were privileged to share in this occasion with Mr. O’Neal.

“Given Mr. O’Neal’s many years of dedicated service to the sport of athletics, locally, regionally and internationally, I wholeheartedly join with the IAAF in recognizing his contributions on this grand-world-stage, who without debate, is truly deserving of this prestigious international award,” commented President Augustine.  “The BVIAA and wider athletics family is blessed to have Rey as a stalwart in our midst,” he added.

The BVIAA executive board, members, athletes and Track and Field family congratulate Mr. O’Neal on this lifetime achievement award.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: , , , ,

Malone, Kelly and McMaster ready for 2017 IAAF World Championships

July 31, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Chantel E. Malone (Long Jump), Ashley N. Kelly (400m) and Kyron A. McMaster (400m Hurdles) to compete in 2017 IAAF World Championships. Photo credits: Malone – Dean Greenaway, Kelly – Lonny.

The three-athlete team of Chantel E. Malone, Ashley N. Kelly and Kyron A. McMaster are in their final preparations for the IAAF World Championships scheduled to be held in London from August 4 to August 13, 2017.

Organisers of the Championships have announced the latest sales figure for tickets with more than 660,000 sold and a bumper opening weekend with a quarter of a million spectators set to flock to the London Stadium over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions.

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) President, Mr. Steve Augustine, is looking forward to what they will achieve on the World stage and is excited. “McMaster goes in as a top contender in his event, so hopes are high for what he will achieve, Kelly is expected to put up a great showing and of course Malone, who started her season late due to a foot injury, will have another opportunity to show what she can do as a top 30 ranked Jumper.”

“This is my first year as President,” noted Augustine. “The inspiration this provides the youngsters goes without saying. For them to be able to see the likes of McMaster training hard day in day out on the track in Road Town, motivates them to an all-time high.”

Kelly runs in the 400m, having recently set a new National Record, Malone takes on the Long Jump, and McMaster, with a world leading time already under his belt, competes in the 400m Hurdles.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , , ,

Mixed results for athletes at U20 Pan American Track & Field Championships

July 27, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Team BVI returned from the Pan American U20 Track and Field Championships, held in Peru. Photo: VINO

The recently concluded Pan American U20 Track and Field Championships, held in Peru, at Trujillo’s Chan Chan stadium, on July 21 – 23, 2017, provided a mix bag of results for the young Virgin Island athletes.

Team BVI were led, results wise by Shaniya Caul and L’tsha Fahie, with Caul running 24.90 seconds to place 8th in the 200m girls final and Fahie finishing the 100m in 7th with a time of 11.92.

Caul reached the final with a time of 24-93, whilst L’Tsha Fahie had a non-qualifying time of 25.69.

Rikkoi Brathwaite and Johnta Charles had non-progressing times of 21.98 and 22.52 respectively in the boys 200m heats.

Brathwaite had a time of 10.72 in the 100m final. Kala Penn had a best of 5.54 for 10th in the long jump.

“The athletes could all have done better,” commented Coach Dag Samuels. “Fahie for example was a little down after her 100m showing and should have progressed in the 200m. Caul too missed out on on the 400m and then ran her heart out in the 2. Kala (Penn) was also a little flat on the day, but in the Triple Jump she put in a new PB of 13.12m.. Overall the team performed above average and although missing out on podium finishes, I am proud of their performances.”

The final day of action also witnessed four championship records.

Adriana Rodríguez tallied 5733 points (13.37, 1.72m, 12.04m, 24.00, 6.00m, 35.31m, 2:28.50) in the heptathlon. Mexican Alegna González broke the meeting standard in the 10,000m race walk with 44:43.89 to win by more than a minute. Eric van der Els of the US won the 1500m in 3:43.16. And in the women’s 4x400m, the US squad –Syaira Richardson, Jaevin Reed, Arria Minor, and Takyera Roberson– won by nearly five seconds in 3:28.57, also a 2017 world U20 lead.

In addition, Jamal Walton of the Cayman Islands, fourth at the 2015 IAAF World U18 Championships, marked a special return to South American soil with an impressive 44.99 win in 400m, eclipsing the 10-year old championship record and becoming the 16th teenager in history to break the 45-second barrier.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: ,

Delegation return from Bahamas with VI’s first Commonwealth Youth Games medals

July 24, 2017 by

The Virgin Islands’ team at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. Photo: Bahamas Athletics / Kermit Taylor

Thrower, Dijimon Gumbs won the Virgin Islands’ first ever medal for a Commonwealth Youth Games at the 6th edition of the Games hosted in Nassau, Bahamas.

Dijimon received the Bronze medal in discus on July 20 with a heave of 56.24m. First place went to Connor Bell of New Zealand (63.17) and second place to James Tomlinson of Wales (60.11).

Beyonce Defreitas went on to earn the VI’s second medal when she won silver in the 200m event with a time of 23.88. First place went to Riley Day of Australia (23.42) and the bronze to Ella Connolly of Australia (24.09).

“We are tremendously proud of the sterling performances by Dijimon Gumbs and Beyonce Defreitas as well as the performances of the rest of the team,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games (BVICGA). “Winning the Virgin Islands’ first medals at a Commonwealth Youth Games is definitely a special milestone in the Territory’s sporting history and we congratulate the athletes with their success. We also recognise the efforts and results of all our athletes who, on the whole, were able to keep their focus in competition. We encourage them all to continue on the path of success, taking lessons learned and putting them into action for future games and competitions and not least, to share their experiences of the friendly games with their family and friends – it has surely been a memorable one!”

On day 1 of competitions (Wednesday, July 19), tennis player Adrian Baijnauth lost in two sets (2-6, 0-6) to Arki Nobbs of Norfolk Island in the Men Singles. Later that evening, the BVI delegation was invited to the Atlantis Resort for a reception to honour the visit of the Queen’s Baton.

Day 2 of competition (Thursday, July 20) was the beginning of Track and Field events. The BVI team performed admirably with the following results:
Djimon Gumbs – Bronze medal in the Discus (56.24m)
Diamante Gumbs – 6th Discus (50.67m Personal Best)
Arianna Hayde – 6th Long Jump (5.57m)
Joshua Hill – 5th in 400m heat (49.75s)
Mikkel Bassue – 7th in 100m (10.90 P.B in Semifinals and 10.86 P.B in the finals)
Diamante Gumbs – 4th in Shot Put (16.66)

Day 3 of competition (Friday, July 21) was the continuation of Track and Field events with the following results:
Beyonce DeFreitas – 1st in 200m heat (25.01)
Mikkel Bassue – 6th in 200m heat (22.73)
Diamante Gumbs – 6th in Shot Put Finals (16.03)

Day 4 of competition (Saturday, July 22) continued with Track and Field events with the following result:
Beyonce DeFreitas – 2nd in 200m finals (23.88 having run 24.14 in the preceding semi finals)
Arianna Hayde – 5th in Javelin (44.73)

Prior to competitions, the opening ceremony started on Tuesday July 18th with Dijimon Gumbs being the flag bearer of the VI delegation. The VI stood proud among the 71 participating countries as they marched across the stadium in front of the gathered crowd. The closing ceremony rounded off the Games on Sunday, July 23.

The delegation of athletes, coaches (Malcolm Dabreo – Tennis, Omar Jones -Field, Willis Todman – Track, Physio, Chester Levi), Chef de Mission, Sabinah Clement, and President of the BVICGA, Ephraim Penn returned to the VI on Monday, July 24 to be greeted with a welcome ceremony.

Click on the ling for complete results: https://results.bahamas2017cyg.com/static/eng/zz/engzz_general-general-schedule.htm

Filed Under: Athletics, Bahamas 2017 news, BVI Olympic Committee, Tennis Tagged With: , , , ,

Ashley Kelly wins Gold at Aliann Pompey Invitational ahead of IAAF World Athletics Championships

July 18, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Ashley N. Kelly sprinted to gold in the 400m Finals at the Aliann Pompey Invitational Track and Field Meet in Guyana on July 15, 2017. Photo: Lonny

Competing at the 2nd annual Aliann Pompey Invitational Track and Field Meet in Guyana as a tune up for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London next month, the Virgin Islands’ Ashley N. Kelly sprinted to gold in the 400m Finals on July 15, 2017.

Kelly, making her second appearance at the event in Guyana, completed the quarter mile run in 52.17, ahead of Jamaicans Rushell Clayton (52.80) and Dominique Blake (52.96).

Rio Olympian Kelly booked her place at the IAAF World Athletics Championships when she blazed to a new National Record in the 400m at the Tru Fit Miami Invitational on July 8, 2017.

The qualifying time for London is 52.10 and Kelly ran 51.63 to also break her own National Record of 52.29, which she set at the 2016 OECS Track and Field Championships in the Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) Malique Smith led from start to finish to capture gold in the Men’s 800m.

Smith clocked 1:51.90 to hold off the late challenge of Guyanese Samuel Lynch (1:53.25) and Quincy Morian (1:54.79).

The USVI’s Mikaela Smith (2:37.24) took bronze in the Women’s 800m.

The Aliann Pompey Invitational is the premier international track and field competition in Guyana, South America. In its first year, the competition hosted 11 athletes who went on to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , ,
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