Opening ceremony and first event at Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games

October 9, 2018 by

BVI swimmer, Elinah Phillip (50m free & 50m fly) and Malik John (400m) at Buenos Aires 2018. Photo credit: BVIOC

Swimmer, Elinah Phillip was the face of the Virgin Islands when she served as flagbearer in the Opening Ceremony on October 6 at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She also was the first of the two VI athletes to compete in the third edition of the Games when she swam in the 50m butterfly (fly) heats on Tuesday, October 9.

Swimming in heat 5, Phillip touched the wall in a non-advancing time of 28.65 placing her 28/36. Her PB and national record of 27.31 in the 50m fly was achieved just 10 days previously at the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Phillip, who was slated to compete in the 100m freestyle (free) on Monday was advised by her coach, Benoit Grattepanche to omit the race from her schedule and concentrate instead on the 50m fly and 50m free. The decision was made following a technical meeting ahead of the event.

Her next race is heat 5 of 7 of the 50m free which will start at 10:30am (9:30am BVI time) on Thursday, October 11. Phillip’s qualifying time for this event is 26.14.

VI track athlete, Malik John will also be competing on Thursday, October 11 when he runs in the 400m heats at 5.15pm (4.15pm BVI time).

The events can be viewed live on the IOC Olympic Channel.

The athletes continue to be fully immersed in the culture and experience of the Youth Olympic Games as they follow Young Change Maker, Keanu George’s recommendations of activities to enjoy and international athletes to meet. George has been trained to facilitate the VI’s athletes’ participation in “learn & share” activities and encourages them to embrace the YOG spirit of Compete, Learn and Share.

“There is a packed agenda of daily events and activities for the athletes to be a part of,” said Cleave Farrington, Chef de Mission, Buenos Aires 2018. “Working with Keanu, I try to ensure that Elinah and Malik make the most of their time at the Youth Olympic Games, which is much more oriented to facilitating the principles of Olympism for their age group than the Olympic Games which is geared towards older and more experienced athletes. I am pleased to report that the athletes are definitely engaged and appreciating all that is on offer.”

Photos and updates are posted regularly on the BVI Olympic Committee’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Filed Under: Athletics, Buenos Aires news, BVI Olympic Committee, Swimming Tagged With: , , , ,

Elinah Phillip & Malik John to compete at Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games

October 1, 2018 by

Swimmer Elinah Phillip and track runner, Malik John will represent the VI at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina October 6 – 18.

Swimmer, Elinah Phillip and track athlete, Malik John will be representing the Virgin Islands at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The third edition of the Games will take place October 6 – 18.

Phillip who is 18 years old, will be competing in the 50m and 100m Freestyle and the 50m Butterfly. Her first event is the Women 100m Freestyle heat on October 8th.

This will be Malik John’s first attendance at the YOG. The 17 years old runner will be competing in the 400m with his heat on October 11th.

While this will be Phillip’s first YOG, she made her Olympic Games debut at age 16 when she swam in the 50m Freestyle at Rio 2016, becoming the VI’s first swimmer to compete at a Summer Games. Since then, she has competed successfully in several events in the UK and on the international circuit.

Phillip was a multiple medalist in the Swim England East Region and the winner of the Wilkinson Sword Award 2018, awarded annually for achievement in the sport of swimming.

Regionally, She scored a place in VI sporting history when she won 3 silver medals at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships 2018 in Kingston, Jamaica, March 31 – April 3. Her hat trick delivered a total of 10 medals won by her at CARIFTA, representing the most medals ever won by any BVI athlete in all CARIFTA sporting events.

Earlier this season, Phillip competed in 2 events at the British Summer National Championships held in Sheffield, UK from July 24 – 29, 2018. She reached the final in both events placing 5th and 7th and attaining a personal best and setting a VI national record in the process.

More recently, Phillip was a PanAm Sports Camp participant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida August 30 – September 11. The goal was for athletes throughout the Americas to develop, share experiences with other athletes and receive world-class training from renowned specialists in their sport.

Phillip then went on to compete in the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 held in Eindhoven, Netherlands from September 28th -30th where she placed 5th in her 50m Butterfly heat with a time of 27.31 shaving 0.42 off her PB achieved a month previously and resetting the national record. Phillip also ranked 19/49 in the 50m freestyle with a time of 25.62 and she placed 27/49 in the 100m freestyle with a time of 57.00 before traveling to the Youth Olympic Games.

“I am really looking forward to racing, meeting athletes from around the world and experiencing Argentinian culture,” said Elinah Phillip.

Relative new comer to the bigger competitive stage, John started competing in track events in 2015 and has participated in the 2016 CUT Games, the 2017 and 2018 Carifta Games, the 2018 Golden South and the 2018 Barbados invitational.

He is a member of the Sprint Tech Track Club which falls under the umbrella of the National Federation BVI Athletics Association.

“I am very happy to have been selected as part of the BVI delegation to compete and experience Argentinian culture. I intend to represent the British Virgin Islands to the best of my abilities,” said Malik John.

In addition to the two athletes, Keanu George of the Valley, Virgin Gorda will attend the YOG as one of the 80 Youth Change Makers (YCM) from across the globe. Nominated by the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), George will be expected to facilitate the VI’s athletes’ participation in “learn & share” activities and encourage them to experience the YOG spirit of Compete, Learn and Share.

George is an Honors graduate of the Bregado Flax High Schoo. He obtained an Associate Degree in Computer, Graphic Information Technology at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). He was an athlete of the Raw Skillz Track Club of Virgin Gorda and currently works at the Wright Choice Canteen as a Manager.

The VI delegation includes Cleave Farrington, Chef de Mission; Benoit Grattepanche, Swimming Coach; Tracy Bradshaw, swimming chaperone; Ralston Henry, Athletics Coach; and Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC

Ephraim Penn congratulated the athletes on their achievements and selection. “This has been a phenomenal sports year for the Virgin Islands with incredible results achieved by our young and senior athletes competing regionally and globally. It is fitting that we close out 2018 with the participation of these two young athletes who represent hope for our continued success in major international Games. We look forward to supporting and encouraging them at Buenos Aires 2018,” said Mr. Penn.

Filed Under: Athletics, Buenos Aires news, Swimming Tagged With: , , , ,

Mourant HLSCC College Classic Virgin Gorda kicks off

September 25, 2018 by

BVI Runners

Sherwin Paul- winner of Mourant HLSCC College Classic race 1 in Virgin Gorda (Courtesy Sherwin Paul)

The Virgin Gorda leg of the Mourant HLSCC College Classic Series kicked off on Saturday, with 24 enthusiastic participants, making their way through the Valley, on a looped course. New comer and local barber Sherwin Paul, led the field, cutting through the course with an impressive win in a time of 11 minutes and 14.82 seconds.

Katrina Lindsay, who placed first for the women in a time of 12 minutes and 19.79 seconds, now leads the series on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola for the overall female 2 mile division.

In the Cross Country division, Ciboney School and the Harrigan House of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Secondary Division became the current leaders in their respective divisions.

Race Director Stephanie Russ Penn expressed that she was pleased with the turn out and that the College was extremely happy to resume the Virgin Gorda portion of the series and that it was wonderful working with the Rotaract Club in Virgin Gorda who ably assisted in organizing the race.

Mrs. Russ Penn continues to thank the main sponsor Mourant for their partnership and the role they have played in the launching of the Go green initiative of the series which has been extended to the Virgin Gorda series. The general public is reminded to walk with their water bottles for the remaining races as together we reduce the use of disposable water bottles throughout the territory.

She reminds the general public to walk with their water bottles for the remaining races and participate in reducing the use of disposable water bottles throughout the territory.

The second race of the Tortola series will be held at the Paraquita Bay campus this Saturday 29 September. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and race start at 7:00 a.m. For more information about the race series, please contact Mrs. Russ Penn @ 496-7155 or sruss@hlscc.edu.vg

Complete Results
Complete Online results: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=152637
Open Males: 1. Sherwin Paul, 11:14.82. 2. James Ramprashad, 12:03.19. 3. Claudius Rymer, 12:51.53. 4. Emrol Amsterdam, 13:26.53. 5. Wil Seddon, 15:00.19. 6. Kavari Bailey, 15:23.28. 7. Levons Williams, 18:18.77. 8. Terrol Daniel, 22:15.57.

Open Females: 1. Katrina Lindsay, 12:19.79. 2. Mariah Christian, 13:15.62. 3. Kim Takeuchi, 15:04.90. 4. Jessica Wilson, 15:37.47. 5. Saungie Liburd, 18:22.07. 6. Rea Vanterpool, 24:09.36.

CROSS COUNTRY (Team Category)

Primary School Teams: Ciboney School (CS), Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary (ROMP). 1. Charli Seddon (Ciboney), 16:44.31. 2. T’Khoy Morton (ROMPS), 21:06.96.

Points: Ciboney, 1. 2. ROMP, 2.

Secondary School Teams: Bregado Flax Educational Centre Houses: Harrigan House (H), O’Neal House (O), Rhymer House (R): 1.T’Khoi Richardson (H), 13:16.05. 2. Quelahni Nickie (R), 14:45.13. 3. Makhi Walters (O), 14:46.04. 4. Kaeliyah Liburd, (H), 15:37.47. 5. Sean Samuel (H), 16:07.76. 6. Jerell Frederick (O), 22:06.84. 7. Jahdique Winchester (R), 22:07.63. 8. Rechelle Dick,(H), 24:10.20.

Points: 1. Harrigan, 18 (4 participants. 2. O’Neal & Rhymer 9 (2 participants each)

RACE CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER
29th  HLSCC Race Series- Race 3- Tor Paraquita Bay, Tortola

OCTOBER
6th  HLSCC Race Series –Race 2 – VG Valley, Virgin Gorda
20th  HLSCC Race Series- Race 3- Tor Paraquita Bay, Tortola

NOVEMBER
27th HLSCC Race Series –Race 3 – VG – FINALE Valley, Virgin Gorda

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With:

Mourant HLSCC College Classic Race Series is back in full swing

September 19, 2018 by

BVI Road Runners

With over 110 participants, the Mourant HLSCC College Classic Series kicked off on Saturday, with the first of the races at the Paraquita Bay campus. Now in its 23rd year, it is anticipated that the entire series both on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, will be completed in 2018 despite the single race that was held post Hurricane Irma in November 2017.

Race Director Stephanie Russ Penn said that she is excited to have this wonderful community event back in full swing and she looks forward to the increased participation as the public schools resume and the word continues to spread.

For the first time, the series has gone green, an initiative encouraged by the law firm Mourant, the main sponsor of the series since 2016. Participants are asked to bring their own water bottle, while distributing of water otherwise is in reusable cups instead of disposable plastic bottles.

Leading the One Mile (U9 & U11) Boys and Girls Division after Race 1, are Charlie Potgieter and Taryn Augustine respectively. Clifton Stuiken and Katrina Lindsay, were the respective overall men and women open 2 mile winners. Stuiken, who ran 10 minutes 49.62 seconds, is within striking distance of Lyndell Roberts’ course record of 10:45.3, set in November 1997.

In the Cross Country Division, Cedar School Primary and Secondary, The Cedar School Parents and Teachers Team and Rotary of Tortola are the front runners in their respective divisions.

The Series heads over Virgin Gorda this Saturday 22 September. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. at the HLSCC Virgin Gorda Centre and race start at 7:00 a.m. For more information about the race series, please contact Mrs. Russ Penn @ 496-7155 or sruss@hlscc.edu.vg

Complete Results
ONE MILE (Under 9 & 11) No times available due to an error in race distance.
Boys: 1. Charlie Potgieter, 2. Latriel Williams, 3. Ty’rique Charles, 4. Tiondre Frett, 5. Caiden Rhymer, 6. Frank Carroll, 7. Pierrce Zatchman, 8. Xavier Morgan, 9. Marley Kneipp, 10. Jack McDonald, 11. Eli Ghiorse, 12. Jae Potgieter.
Girls: 1. Taryn Augustine, 2. Millie Cottreau, 3. Ava Ghiorse, 4. Nickyjah Brewley, 5. Hollie McDonald, 6. Kate McDonald.

TWO MILE
Complete 2 Mile Race Results: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=151465

Open Males:
1. Cliff Struiken,10 minutes 49.62 seconds. 2. Jelani Croal,12:12.79. 3. Derek Rawlings,12:15.89. 4. Khiry Creque,13:31.67. 5. Reu Rymer, 13:41.22. 6. Claudius Rymer, 13:50.65. 7. Mark Harbison,14:09.54. 8. Adrian Dale, 14:20.45. 9. Richard Morgan, 15:10.82. 10. Zebalon McLean, 15:26.79. 11. Rupert Johnson, 15:30.54. 12. Jaleel Croal, 15:31.23. 13. Hendrick Verdeer, 15:55.94. 14. Jaben Augustine, 16:21.46. 15. Elvorn Dore, 18:20.88. 16. Hamza Mzee, 18:27.34. 17. Garfield Neita, 18:30.05. 18. Ryan Chalwell, 19:07.25. 19. Jerry Thomas, 19:16.71. 20. Patrick Ormand, 19:31.11. 21. Elvette Dore, 20:21.37. 22. Harvey Anthony Jr, 20:53.06. 23. Jeremiah Frett, 21:23.95. 24. Jim Cullimore, 21:38.92. 25. Nev Wyllie, 21:51.90. 26. Keimanie Christopher, 23:29.56. 27. Michael Fay, 25:30.84. 28. Chris Ghiorse, 25:33.48. 29. Shajoni Huggins, 26:07.03. 30. Matai Frett, 26:16.12. 31. Khalell Penn, 27:01.90. 32. Seun Frett, 28:45.67. 33. Edwardo Devera, 29:44.03. 34. Cem Bicer, 32:22.66. 35. Ted Francis, 35:59.99. 36. Amos Pickering, 36:20.21. Also participated: Sebastian Morgan.

Open Females:
1. Katrina Lindsay, 12:58.15. 2. Kim Struiken, 13:45.51. 3. Rosmond Johnson, 14:30.77. 4. Kay Reddy, 16:36.30. 5. Saungie Liburd, 17:34.86. 6. Laura Dore, 17:42.66. 7. Anna Kinkead, 17:57.38. 8. Martha Killourhy, 19:14.50. 9. Elsie Ormand, 19:18.62. 10. Daphne Henriquez, 20:33.40. 11. Nicole Toppin, 20:51.65. 12. Zara Brown, 22:04.06. 13. Shirley Liburd, 22:12.84. 14. Clair Burke, 22:15.28. 15. Jane Wyllie, 23:05.61. 16. Joan Farara, 23:41.53. 17. Abriel Magloire, 27:22.66. 18. Lyndonna Lambert, 27:50.82. 19. Pearl Devera, 28:46.07. 20. Samoria Vanterpool, 32:17.34. 21. Tracy Smith, 36:10.77. 22. Sayretta Pickering, 36:21.91. Also participated Deanna Wattley.

CROSS COUNTRY
Primary Schools Teams: Cedar School Primary (CS): 1. Sam Potgieter (CSP),13:49.82. 2. Denika Vanterpool (CS),20:25.12.
Points: 1. Cedar

Secondary Schools Teams: Cedar School (CS): 1. Rush Broderick (CS),15:41.65. 2. Zolita Bamford (CS),18:06.63. 3. Tola Broderick (CS),18:08.74. 4. Johannes Blok (CS), 23:14.80. 5. Noah Cottreau (CS),23:56.50. 6. Deonte Vanterpool (CS), 25:22.84.
Points: 1. Cedar School

Service Clubs: Rotaract Club (RC), Rotary of Road Town (RR), Rotary Sunrise of Road Town (RS), Rotary of Tortola, (RT): 1. Michael Killourhy (RT),13:14.03. 2. StacyAnn Wynter (RT),17:51.06. 3. Henry Creque (RT),18:02.83. 4. Gerard Farara (RT),19:29.82. 5. Deshawn Douglas (RC),19:55.24. 6. Allison Gumbs (RC), 20:55.04. 7. Ixora Wong (RT), 21:07.00. 8. Tuneisha Johnson (RC), 22:13.61. 9. Cedric King (RC), 22:24.46. 10. Khoyisha Stoutt (RC), 22:29.95. 11. Deon Vanterpool (RC), 23:13.78. 12. Lorna Smith (RT), 23:38.56. 13. Shakera Fahie (RC), 23:40.53. 14. Jevaughn Rhymer (RC), 24:49.31. 15. Sharona Pickering (RC), 28:13.82. 16. Delma Maduro (RT), 29:44.34. 17. Audley Maduro (RT), 29:44.60. 18. Christina Cheraymond (RR), 30:58.78. 19. Antonio Maynard (RR), 31:45.77.
Points:  1. Rotary of Tortola, 17.   2. Rotaract, 39. 4. Rotary of Road Town, 37 (2 participants).

Community Partners: Cedar School Parents/Teachers (CSPTA), H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Montessori Parent/Teachers (MPTA), Peligan Gate Parent/Teacher (PGPTA): 1. Chris Potgieter (CPTA), 14:59.82. 2. Sarah Carroll (CPTA).19:10.03. 3. Elizabeth Buratti Clifton (MPTA),20:06.95. 4. Martin Cherry (HLSCC),20:40.33. 5. Lynette Galindo (PGPTA),23:32.44. 6. Cayley Smit (PGPTA),24:10.15. 7. Marian Cazabon-Blok (CPTA),30:58.78. 8. Steve Augustine (PGPTA),36:12.2.
Points: 1. Cedar School PTA Team, 10 (3 participants).  2. Pelican Gate PTA, 11 (3 participants).  4. Montessori PTA, 3 (1 participant).  4. HLSCC, 4 (1 participant),

RACE CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
22 HLSCC Race Series –Race 2 – VG Valley, Virgin Gorda
28 HLSCC Race Series- Race 3- Tor Paraquita Bay, Tortola

OCTOBER
6 HLSCC Race Series –Race 2 – VG Valley, Virgin Gorda
20 HLSCC Race Series- Race 3- Tor Paraquita Bay, Tortola

NOVEMBER
27 HLSCC Race Series –Race 3 – VG – FINALE Valley, Virgin Gorda
3 HLSCC Race Series- Race 4- TOR- FINALE Paraquita Bay, Tortola

Filed Under: Athletics

McMaster wins 2nd consecutive IAAF Diamond League Trophy in tight race

September 3, 2018 by

Kyron McMaster (right) on his way to winning the 400m hurdles at the IAAF Diamond League final in Zurich (Mark Shearman) © Copyright

Kyron McMaster won the 400m hurdles International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) Diamond League Trophy for the 2nd consecutive year on August 30th in Zurich, Switzerland. McMaster crossed the line in a time of 48.08, narrowly beating current IAAF European and World champion, Karston Warholm from Norway who placed 2nd in 48.10.

“I have been growing a lot. I really enjoyed every experience I have been through. I feel good about today’s race. But I am very tired of course. It went exactly how I wanted. I got a good rhythm,” said McMaster on completing his race.

This was a tighter race between McMaster and Warholm than in 2017 when McMaster won his first Diamond Trophy in a time of 48.07 over Warholm’s 2nd place time of 48.22.

The 2 will meet again at the IAAF Continental Cup Ostravia 2018 in the Czech Republic on September, 8th. The competition will be charged with the inclusion of the Qatari 400m hurdles phenomena, Abderrahman Samba, who was absent from the Diamond League final, but will rejoin them at the start line in Ostravia.

The 2018 Diamond League finals was McMaster’s 7th major international competition this year the first of which was the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April where he won the territory’s first ever Commonwealth Games medal with a first place finish. Podium finishes in all subsequent competitions included 1st place finishes at the CAC Games in Barranquilla, Colombia on July 31 with a time of 47.60 and at the NACAC Track and Field Championships in Toronto, Canada on August 10 with a championship record time of 48.18.

McMaster is one of five BVI senior athletes who is a beneficiary of the BVI Olympic Committee Elite Athlete Program and a recipient of an Olympic Scholarship through Olympic Solidarity.

 

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

BVI Athletics Association receives $100k grant from IAAF for recovery efforts following 2017 hurricane damage

August 29, 2018 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Steve Augustine, President BVIAA with Lord Sebastian Coe, IAAF President January 15 2018. Photo: BVIAA

Despite the impacts of Hurricane Irma and Maria, the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association continues to forge forward, aiming towards a more successful future in the sport of track and field for the athletes and the territory. One of its latest achievements after submitting an application for funding for the rebuilding of facilities at the A.O. Shirley Grounds was the receipt of US$100,000 grant from the International Association of Athletic Federations’ (IAAF) solidarity funding programme.

Discussions were held on January 15th, 2018 at a North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) meeting, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico to determine the degree of damage to the region and the extent of help needed to aid with the recovery efforts.  At the meeting attended by IAAF President Sebastian Coe, NACAC President Victor Lopez, and BVIAA President Steve Augustine and some of the affected Caribbean federations,  the IAAF and NACAC promised to assist affected federations as much as possible.

“I hope these funds will go some way to rebuilding the sport in the countries most affected by the hurricanes,” said Lord Coe. “We know this is not enough but hope it will at least get the member federations affected back up and running. We will continue to seek further funds and work with the region to ensure athletes’ training is as uninterrupted as possible.”

Victor Lopez said: “As President of the Area one of my key concerns was ensuring our athletes could continue training. I received calls and was in contact with members from across the athletics family and was touched by the support received from the IAAF and from colleagues from all corners of the world who have offered to help, house and host affected athletes training for this year’s events.”

BVIAA President Steve Augustine stated that “ the much needed  funds will go a long way in helping to get our facilities back in order.  With the provision of this funding alongside the continued voluntary works of our track family I am certain that our facility will regain and surpass the functionality it once had.”

“The BVIAA is very appreciative of the tremendous outreach and support of the IAAF and NACAC towards the recovery efforts. The BVIAA is also appreciative of the efforts of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in the rebuilding processes. On the heel of the anniversary of Hurricane Irma and that of the significant loss of our Chief Coach Dag Samuel, we are pleased to be able to report on the grant we have received and the hope of seeing the A.O Shirley Grounds and its surroundings restored.”

The BVIAA also invites those that are interested in aiding the rebuilding efforts to reach out to BVIAA Executive members as follows:-
• Steve Augustine +284 496-7529
• Stephanie Russ-Penn +284 496-7155
• Willis Todman +284 496-6666
• Cleave Farrington +284 346-8375
or email ivb@mf.iaaf.org and bviathletics@gmail.com to make a pledge for funding or support in kind.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

VI national team competing in 2018 NACAC Athletics Senior Championships, Toronto, Canada

August 10, 2018 by

The ladies of the BVI National team competing at the NACAC Senior Championships 2018 in Toronto, Canada include (r-l) Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (100m), Chantel Malone (Long jump) , Tynelle Gumbs (Hammer, disus), Trevia Gumbs (Discus, Shot put), Deya Erickson (100m Hurdles), Kala Penn (Long jump, Triple jump), Tarika Moses (400m), (not in picture) Ashley Kelly (400m),). Photo: Dean ‘The Sprotsman’ Greenaway.

The BVI Athletics Association’s national team is at the North America, Central America, and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletics Senior Championships, August 10-12 in Toronto Canada.

With the recent success of the territory’s track and field athletes at the Central Caribbean and Caribbean (CAC) Games, in Baranquilla, Columbia similar success is anticipated at the Championships which will include added competition from the United States of America and Canada.

The BVI National team consists of Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (100m), Chantel Malone (Long jump) , Ashley Kelly (400m), Tynelle Gumbs (Hammer, disus), Trevia Gumbs (Discus, Shot put), Deya Erickson (100m Hurdles), Kala Penn (Long jump, Triple jump), Tarika Moses (400m), Eldred Henry (Shot put), Kyron McMaster (400m Hurdles), Shaquoy Stephens (100m) accompanied by team officials Willis Todman, Cliff William and Shaun Williams.

Follow reports on the event on CBN 90.9FM at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 9:30pm.

 

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

Gold, Silver and Bronze for Virgin Islands at Barranquilla 2018 CAC Games

August 1, 2018 by

Medals at Barranquilla 2018 – Kyron McMaster, 400m hurdles gold and new CAC Games record with a time of 47.60, Chantel Malone, long jump silver (6.520, Eldred Henry, shot put bronze (20.18). Photo: CM Farrington/BVIOC

With one day of competition remaining for the Virgin Islands’ athletes at the 23rd Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, the territory’s senior athletes have set new records for the Games and for the nation so far as they secure three medals of gold, silver and bronze.

Last night, Kyron McMaster, ranked by the IAAF as the third fastest man in the world, set a new CAC Games record when he won the gold in the 400m hurdles with his second fastest time of 47.60. The new record, set in the final race of the night, surpassed the standing eight-years old Games record of 48.47 by almost one second.

On Monday evening, Chantel Malone leapt her way to a silver medal in the long jump with a seasonal best of 6.52. This was her second medal of the CAC Games after winning gold in the same event in Mexico in 2014.

The first win for the VI and new national record was set with Eldred Henry’s bronze medal finish in the shot put on Monday night when he hurled the orb a distance of 20.18m to break his previous national record of 20.00m.

This is the fifth consecutive CAC Games in which the VI has won gold medals starting with Dion Crabbe in the 100m at San Salvador 2002. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott continued the gold medal win when she came 1st in the 100m at Cartagena 2006 and again at Mayaguez 2010. Chantel won the fourth gold in long jump at Mexico 2014 and now the VI has its fifth gold with Kyron’s win. It is the first time at the CAC Games that the territory’s athletes have won 3 medals.

“It has been quite emotional here as we celebrated the 3 medals won at these games so far. I am exceptionally proud of the athletes’ achievements and I along with the VI delegation are looking forward to cheering on Ashley Kelly, Trevia Gumbs and Kala Penn in their upcoming events. I know the same is true for all their supporters back home and elsewhere.” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee.

Ashley Kelly will run in the 400m finals tonight while Trevia Gumbs will compete in the shot-put final and Kala Penn in the triple jump.

“To date, all 13 of the VI’s senior and national athletes at Barranquilla 2018 have competed in their track and field events and a full report will be distributed at the conclusion of the Games but I can confirm that all athletes have worked hard and have been excellent ambassadors for the territory,” said Cleave Farrington, Chef de Mission for Barranquilla 2018. “We have Kyron’s medal ceremony later today followed by 3 more track and field events which we are excited about. The majority of the delegation will depart Colombia tomorrow.”

Updates are posted on the BVIOC social media platforms of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Filed Under: Athletics, Barranquilla 2018, BVI Olympic Committee, CAC Tagged With: , , , , ,

Community joins BVIOC in celebrating Olympic Day with Sports Festival

June 28, 2018 by

Participants of the 2018 Olympic Day Sports Festival. Photo: CM Farrington/BVIOC

Olympic Day in the Virgin Islands hosted by the Olympic Committee kicked off on June 23 with an early morning run and walk. This was followed by a Sports Festival to mark the globally celebrated day which locally, took place at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds featuring several National Sporting Federations and their athletes.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC also used the occasion to hand over new equipment donated by PanAm Sports to benefit the track and field athlete members of the BVI Athletic Association. Kit included shot puts, discus, hammer, and electronic starting blocks.

Around 70 runners and walkers registered for the 6.30am 10km/5km run and 1 mile run/walk on Saturday with top finishers receiving special edition BVIOC shirts and bags as prizes. More people arrived at the recreation grounds and the multi sports complex mid-morning to watch demonstrations and try their hand in athletics, archery, basketball, football, rugby, tennis, and volleyball.

Mr. Penn summarized the activities and achievements of the national federations over the last 12 months and invited attending national federation representatives to provide additional information on their progress.

“The public may be forgiven for thinking that sports had been put on the back burner since the August floods and Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Mr. Penn. “However, this is not the case as illustrated by the National Federations’ reports of individual and team success. We are encouraged and excited that not only did the coaches and athletes show their resilience and determination to continue with their sports following the natural disasters, but they went on to win medals, titles and trophies and improve on their previous scores and times! Congratulations to all involved.”

Coaches from Athletics, Archery, Football, Rugby, and Tennis spoke on the recovery of their sports following the August floods and September hurricanes and encouraged attendees at the Sports Festival to join in their demo sessions taking place on the field. A 12-month review of the National Federation activities is set out below.

The morning set up included a 10,000 Step Challenge and an information booth on anti-doping. There were children’s bouncy castles courtesy of Digicel and Red Cross volunteers were on hand to ensure the safety of all participants. Roadtown Wholesale provided Dasani water, Powerade, Coca Cola and Sprite throughout the day.

Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone everywhere can get together in their communities to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship and also celebrate the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

In his Olympic Day message to people around the world, IOC President, Thomas Bach said, “For the past 70 years, Olympic Day commemorates the founding modern Olympic Movement. Olympic Day reminds us that anyone, anywhere, can enjoy and benefit from sport. In our fast-changing society, Olympic Day is an excellent way to encourage all people to lead healthy and active lives and to promote the role of sport in society. Our thanks and gratitude go to the National Olympic Committees who are bringing sport and its values closer to the people through the many sporting, educational and cultural activities that are organized throughout the year. Thank you for encouraging people of all backgrounds and ability to get up and get moving, to discover sport and to embrace Olympic Values. ”

Photo: BVI Rugby Football Union

Junior tennis players. Photo; BVI Tennis Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of National Federation Activity June 2017 – June 2018

BVI Athletics Association
2017 OECS Track & Field Championships – Team BVI won the Meet title.

2017 Commonwealth Youth Games – Djimon Gumbs placed third in the discus with a distance of 56.24 meters. Beyonce Defreitas placed second in the 200m with a time of 23.88 seconds.

2017 Diamond League Championships – Kyron McMaster won the event with a time of 48.07 seconds.

2017 World Championships – Chantel Malone placed 7th with a jump of 6.57 meters becoming the first BVI athlete making it to a final of a Major Championship Outdoor Meet

2018 Carifta Games – Rikkoi Brathwaite placed third in the 100m with a time of 10.46 seconds (BVI’s first medal in the male sprints in 41 years)

2018 Commonwealth Games – Chantel Malone placed 5th with a jump of 6.48 meters
Kyron McMaster won the event with a time of 48.25 seconds

Virgin Islands Archery Association
2017 – National Archery introduced in the schools’ program and 21 Students received scholarships of the $20K that was awarded in 2017. Participating schools included Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, Bregado Flax, Willard Wheatley, and Francis Lettsome Primary School.

The National Archery Team competed in Puerto Rico at the JEB Cup Developmental Championships and brought home 16 medals competing against 17 other countries (
5 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze).

2018 – After the departure of a few members of the team due to hurricane Irma, only 3 members of the National Archery Team traveled to the Dominican Republic in April to compete in their first world ranking event. The team missed the mark by 1 spot for the CAC Games.

BVI Football Association
2017 – At the Concacaf U 15 tournament, the national team won 8-2 v. Montserrat, 2-0 v. Anguilla, and 8-2 v. Turks & Caicos and finished 4th out of 16 in Division C.
January 2018 – Played in the Premier U 12 Tournament in Puerto Rico and finished 3rd having won 1, drawn 1, and lost 1.
2018 U 14 Flanders Cup in St. Martin – Finished 2nd having defeated the favourites Martinique and St. Martin teams to advance in the finals.

At the 2018 World Cup, Deshawn Richardson, 13 and 12 year old Ryan Ramlall attended the Gasprom F4F 2018 program in Moscow, Russia as a footballer and journalist respectively. The boys participated in 3-day camps which focused respectively in journalism and soccer. The culmination were interviews by Ryan getting published and Deshawn’s team, the Humpback Whales, making it to the semi-finals of the F4F championship. Both Ryan and Deshawn represented the BVI well.

BVIFA also have successfully conducted the Senior Men’s National League and the Primary and Secondary School Leagues.

BVI Rugby Football Union
Rugby is now back in the schools and training is in full swing for all men and women.
In April 2018, BVI won the Kowloon 10s RugbyFest in Hong Kong.
In May 2018, the national team represented in an international match against Turks and Caicos Islands in the TCI.

Royal BVI Yacht Club
BVI youth sailing is ongoing at Nanny Cay Marina.
Thad Lettsome, representing the BVI at the 47th Youth Sailing World Championships in Sanya, China in December 2017 finished in 33rd position in the Laser Radial Class.
The RBVIYC hosted the annual Manhattan Yacht Club Trophy in February, the annual BVI Spring Regatta in April and the 2018 BVI Dinghy Championships in May.

BVI Squash Rackets Association
A new coach will start the squash program in July. Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino competed at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Joe won the Plate.
The VI team competed in the annual OECS Squash Championships in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in May.

BVI Swimming Association
Elinah Phillip won 3 silver medals in the 50m Fly, 50m Freestyle, and 200m Freestyle at the Carifta Swimming Championships held in Jamaica in April.

BVI Tennis Association
Tennis programme is ongoing at the East End Tennis Courts.
Deandrea Baijnauth competed in the C. O. Williams COTECC U14s International Junior Tennis Tournament in Barbados in April.
Three juniors competed in the 6th annual Caribbean 12 & Under Junior Invitational Tennis Tournament in Antigua in May.
The association successfully hosted open tennis days for Mothers’ Day and World Tennis Day.

Virgin Islands Volleyball Association
The association organised the 2 on 2 male and female Beach volleyball tournament which concluded earlier in June.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,
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