BVI Olympic Committee

Junior athletes to benefit from Pole Vault Clinic

December 9, 2016 by Admin

Arianna Hayde, BVIAA coach Ericca Frederick and Jelani Norman. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee in conjunction with the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) is sending Coach Ericca Frederick and two junior athletes (aged 16-18 years) Mr. Jelani Norman and Ms. Arianna Hayde to represent the British Virgin Islands at the 2016 Association of National Olympic Committees of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES) Sports Academy in Grenada.

The Academy will focus on coaching and teaching the fundamentals of the pole vault event which the BVIAA and BVIOC want to have introduced as one of the competitive field sports offered in the British Virgin Islands.

The delegates departed the territory on December 9th, 2016 en route to the Spice Island Grenada until December 18th, 2016.

The programme will be conducted by Mr Jeff Petersmeyer, Director, Cross Country and Track and Field (Jumps and Multi-Event) Coach at San Jose State.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: ANOCES, ANOCES Sports Academy, Jeff Petersmeyer

BVIOC Executive Board re-elected for a next term

December 9, 2016 by Admin

BVI Olympic Committee Executive 2017 - 2021 (L-R) Mark Chapman, Sabinah Clement, Ephraim Penn, Neville Smith, Roy Barry and Lloyd Black. Photo Credit: BVIOC / Cleave M. Farrington

BVI Olympic Committee Executive 2017 – 2020 (L-R) Mark Chapman, Sabinah Clement, Ephraim Penn, Neville Smith, Roy Barry and Lloyd Black. Photo Credit: BVIOC / Cleave M. Farrington

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee held its election on December 7th, 2016 at the BVIOC Headquarters. Two positions were contested, that of Secretary General and Athletes’ Representative.

Nominees contesting for the position of Secretary General were Mr. Dag Samuels, Mr. Dean Greenaway, and incumbent Lloyd Black, and for Athletes’ Representative were Ralston Henry and incumbent Ms. Sabinah Clement.

The BVIOC Executive Board members who will serve the next term 2017-2020 are President – Mr. Ephraim Penn, 1st Vice President – Mr. Neville Smith, 2nd Vice President – Mr. Roy Barry, Secretary General – Mr. Lloyd Black, Treasurer – Mr. Mark Chapman, Athletes’ Representative – Ms. Sabinah Clement.

In his remarks, BVIOC President Mr. Ephraim Penn highlighted some main objectives which include the support of elite athletes to achieve Podium finishes; to increase the number of sports participating in major games; to promote the Olympic Values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship; and to promote drug free sport through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) programme.

Mr. Penn expressed thanks to the board members who worked tirelessly with him since 2008, namely Mr. Mark Chapman, Mr. Neville Smith and Mr. Roy Barry.

“I am proud to have been part of a team that has created a solid foundation that has supported the development of competitive sports in the territory and its continued growth with credible performances from our athletes regionally and internationally,” said Mr. Penn. “We have come a long way but we still have further to go. I acknowledge the trust that has been placed in me as president and in the other elected officers and members of the Executive Committee to commit to our roles and to deliver on expectations of the BVIOC as a member of the IOC. We stand ready to continue with our efforts to achieve the goals of the next quadrennial.”

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee Executive, BVIOC

BVIOC 2013 – 2016 Quadrennial Report

November 30, 2016 by Admin

At the close of the BVI Olympic Committee’s (BVIOC) 2013 – 2016 quadrennial, the executive distributed a full report on its goals and achievements of the last 4 years to its member federations and key stakeholders.

As an autonomous, not-for-profit organization representing the interests of 16 National Federations in the Virgin Islands, the BVIOC set its strategic plan following consultation and engagement with the associations and based on their respective quadrennial plans.

The four main objectives were to support elite athletes to achieve Podium finishes; to increase the number of sports participating in major games; to promote the Olympic Values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship; and to promote drug free sport through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) programme.

Read the complete 2013-2016 BVIOC Quadrennial Report.

bvioc-2013-16-quadrennial-report-1

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Quadrennial Report

BVIOC co-hosts CCCP Training of Trainers Workshop

October 31, 2016 by Admin

Participants from 14 countries at the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committee (CANOC) Caribbean Coaching Certification Program (CCCP) Training of Trainers Workshop in the British Virgin Islands. Photo: BVIOC

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) Academy hosted a Caribbean Coaching Certification Program (CCCP) – Training of Trainers’ Workshop – in Tortola, BVI, from October 13 – 15, 2016.

The two-day course, conducted by Mr. Dave Farmer, Regional Coordinator and Director of the Barbados Olympic Academy had a regional reach targeting coaches from all disciplines and all affiliates to the NOC and potential sport leaders with the purpose of broadening and strengthening the national adoption of the sport for all concept and building the capacity of a nation.

A total of 17 participants from 15 Caribbean countries attended the workshop. The individuals were affirmed by their NOCs as being sport instructors who are primarily engaged in coaching and training of a broad audience and who are committed to furthering LTAD programmes within their communities.

“The goal of the workshop is for participants to take what they learn here and share it at a grass roots level with those in the community who would otherwise not get exposure to more formal training and to pass on the basics of, and best practices in coaching and sporting principles,” said Farmer.

“We were excited when the BVIOC was accepted to be the co-host of this workshop,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “Our focus over the last couple of years has been on building the capacity of sports in the territory. The CCCP initiative advances the movement of the popular LTAD series of seminars that the BVIOC is running to guide and train not only Physical Education teachers and sports federations but also those working as volunteers, institutional care givers and managers in the Virgin Islands.”

“The CCCP Training of Trainers’ Workshop is run with the expectation that each participant will commit to working with their National Olympic Committees and sports organizations in the development and broadening of an understanding of the fundamental of coaching within their respective countries,” explained Mr. Keith Joseph, Secretary of CANOC.

The target audience to benefit from such training by the workshop participants includes all those involved with athletes in the capacity of parent, volunteer, untrained PE Teachers who either are directly involved with coaching a sport or working in an administrative capacity. Persons who then demonstrate further interest can then go on to obtain the various levels of certification that would be required by the different sports.

The participants from Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname received their Training of Trainers certificates at the end of the workshop.

They are expected to work with their respective NOCs to coordinate the first Coaching Theory Course (CTC) and the Caribbean Community Sport Leaders Course (CCSLC) within 3 to 6 month of completing the programme.

The workshop was held under the agreement between CANOC and the Peruvian Olympic Committee and the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee.

In her opening remarks, Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS), Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye recognised the importance of the workshop as it ties in with the Government’s objective of a National Sports Policy of making training a priority and its commitment to forging its partnership with the BVIOC and to developing a culture of excellence of sport in the Virgin Islands.

About the Caribbean Coaching Certification Program
The CCCP program has been in existence since 1998, and within this time over 1,000 persons in the Caribbean have completed the Coaching Theory Course (CTC) and the Caribbean Community Sport Leaders Course (CCSLC).

The CTC course is designed to equip the Coach and Sport Leader with a strong theoretical base to accompany his or her practical skills. The CCCP courses have been widely accepted across all the territories of the Caribbean and serve to improve the overall abilities of the Caribbean coaching base.

A new module for coaches of persons with disabilities has been introduced for an inclusive approach to sport and coaches should be exposed to and trained in the techniques associated with coaching all athletes.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, CANOC Tagged With: CANOC, CANOC CCCP

14 Caribbean countries send coaches for CANOC CCCP training in British Virgin Islands

October 13, 2016 by Admin

The BVI Olympic Committee is proud to host seventeen participants from 14 countries at Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committee (CANOC) Caribbean Coaching Certification Program (CCCP) Training of Trainers Workshop in Tortola starting from 9.15am this morning.

The C.C.C.P Training of Trainer’s Workshop which will run through Saturday, October 15, has attracted participants from countries of Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, Caymans, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Guadeloupe, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

The Caribbean Coaching Certification Program, C.C.C.P. has been in existence since 1998, and to date has trained and certified more than 800 coaches across the region.

The Coach Theory Course is designed to equip the Coach and Sport Leader with a strong theoretical base to accompany his or her practical skills. The Course is 20 hours duration, designed to be completed over an extended weekend. The Manual is divided into 10 Modules, under the following topics:

• The Role of the Coach
• The Coach as a Leader
• Developing Skills
• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Safety, Injury and Recovery
• Planning Training Sessions and Programmes
• Event Planning and Management
• Sport Not Drugs
• Sport for Persons with Disabilities

The CCCP Coach Theory Courses have been widely accepted across the region and have served to improve the overall Caribbean Coaching base in many territories.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC, CANOC, CANOC CCCP, Caribbean Coaching Certification Program

Participants at third Physical Literacy workshop call for national health and fitness policies

October 4, 2016 by Admin

Participants of the 3rd Physical Literacy workshop hosted by the BVIOC Sept 27-28. Photo: BVIOC

Participants of the 3rd Physical Literacy workshop hosted by the BVI Olympic Committee Sept 27-28. Photo: BVIOC

A two-day Physical Literacy workshop came to a successful conclusion on September 28. The interactive seminar organized by the BVI Olympic Committee and conducted by Drew Mitchell, Director of Physical Literacy for the Sport for Life Society in Canada, was the third session in a campaign which looks at “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” – The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014.

In attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Health & Social Development (elderly caregivers, nurses, social workers), Ministry of Education & Culture (Day Care Center and Pre-School teachers and managers, Physical Education teachers, prison officers, Liaison officers for healthy schools) and Sport Federations.

“From information gathered from the evaluation submitted by the participants, there is a clamor for national legislation that will govern Physical Literacy from the Day Care to the senior level,” said Ms Angeleta Bernard, event coordinator. “As a result of this session, 7 new projects have emerged which will be rolled out as and when the details and logistics are completed.”

“Much has been learned at this workshop,” said attendee Ms. Yonette Adams Wintz, Director, New Life Learning Centre. “We focused on the development of the whole child which includes health and fitness. It would be excellent to see national policies on health and fitness put in place and implemented to benefit everyone in the community, starting from early childhood to old age. We need to see action since a healthy community builds a healthy nation/ territory. However, we will need support from the entire community if the resulting projects are to get off the ground and succeed.”

Recommendations by participants included that Physical Education should be taught at least three times per week, monitored free play should be an integral part of Day Care and pre-School routines, each school should have a PE teacher, and that PE teachers should assist in day care centers when and where possible.

Certificates were awarded to the participants who commended both the presenter, Mr. Mitchell and the BVIOC for introducing Physical Literacy to the nation.

The fourth workshop on periodization of sport training will be held in February 2017. Interested parties should contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 494 6920 for more information and to reserve their space.

The first session took place in February and covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

The second session, which took place in May, focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that followed on from the first workshop.

The Physical Literacy Workshops are supported by the Sport for Life Society of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.

Photo Gallery

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Commitee, Physical Literacy, Sport for Life Society of Canada

Third Physical Literacy workshop to help develop youth in sports

September 27, 2016 by Admin

Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

The third Physical Literacy workshop is underway, running from September 27 – 28 at the Fort Burt Hotel Conference room.

The workshop, organized by the BVI Olympic Committee and conducted by Drew Mitchell, Director of Physical Literacy for the Sport for Life Society in Canada, is directed at sports coaches and representatives of the territory’s national sport federations as well as day-care and pre-school teachers and managers, health care providers and elderly care givers.

“Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” – The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014

Research shows that without the development of Physical Literacy, many children and youth withdraw from physical activity and sport and turn to more inactive and/or unhealthy choices during their leisure time.

Miss Beverlie Brathwaite, an Education Officer attached to the Ministry of Education sees Physical Literacy as a positive vehicle to champion the cause for a healthier nation and success in the classroom.

“Just as there are basic skills in literacy and numeracy which, when mastered, help students to become competent and motivated, we now know that there are basic skills in movement which have the same effect on students’ confidence, competence and motivation. Also, since there is growing research evidence of the positive link between physical activity and academic success, we see this exposure to Physical Literacy as a gateway to both healthy lives and academic success for our students.”

This workshop aims to also give assistance to the selected sports of Football, Rugby, Tennis, Sailing, Basketball, Athletics, Archery and Swimming as they continue the task to complete a Long Term Athlete Development pathway for their sport.

The second session, which took place in May, focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that followed on from the first workshop.

Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Swimming, Tennis Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, Canadian Olympic Committee, Long-Term Athlete Development, Physical Literacy, Sport for Life Society of Canada

BVI takes away positive experience from Rio 2016

August 23, 2016 by Admin

Rio 2016 Team BVI – Elinah Phillip – 50m Freestyle; Tahesia Harrigan-Scott – 100m; Eldred Henry – Shot Put; Ahsley Kelly – 200m.
Photo: BVIOC

As the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games came to a close in a festive celebration of the 31st Olympiad on August 21, the BVI delegation of athletes, coaches, physiotherapist and doctor returned home with unforgettable experiences and memories.

The BVI was represented by four athletes in two sports / four events.

“This has been the largest team to attend the Summer Olympic Games in the last four Olympiads,” said Ephraim Penn, President BVI Olympic Committee. “Over the years the BVIOC has worked behind the scenes to tap into funding offered by bodies such as Olympic Solidarity to put additional resources in place to help our National Federations develop and train promising athletes. This effort is now bearing fruit as we start to see a resurgence of athletes in different sports making it to the biggest stage of competition. We commend our athletes for their dedication to getting here and encourage them to continue their efforts in achieving their potential as we look ahead to Tokyo 2020.”

16-year old swimmer, Elinah Phillip, who attended her first Olympic Games on a universality invitation, competed in the 6th Heat
of the 50m Freestyle to come in third place with a time of 26.26. While this was not enough to advance her to the semi-finals, the result delivered a Personal Best and a national record.

Elinah Phillip, 50m Freestyle. Photo: BVIOC

“My overall experience of Rio 2016 is that it wasn’t as daunting as it may seem, it’s just like another swim but it just means so much more because you’re representing your country and you want to do everyone proud. When I heard the start I just went for it, I didn’t hold back and gave it everything I had and finished strong. I was very happy with the result and based on the progress I have made in the past 6-months, I can’t imagine what will happen if I keep working in the way that I have in the next four years.”

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott taking stock of the track. Photo: BVIOC

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott 100m. Photo: BVIOC

For Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, this was a bitter-sweet farewell to the Olympic arena as she concluded her third Olympic appearance with her final attempt at the 100m dash. Tahesia ran a time of 11.54 in her heat which did not advance her to the semi-finals. Tahesia was disappointed with her time, noting that it did not reflect the level of fitness and preparedness that she felt for the Games. Tahesia’s current Personal Best is 11.12 and her Season’s Best is 11.39.

“I had the pleasure of representing the BVI at 3 Olympic Games and every time I have enjoyed the experience and found an inspiration to motivate me to my next task. This third, and what I may consider my last Olympics, was quite eventful. This was the biggest Olympic team that I have been a part of and was extremely proud to be a member. This journey and everyone’s preparation to make it to Rio did not go unnoticed. Despite our performance and whatever we took from it, please know that this is just the beginning. I thank everyone who made this experience possible and joyous.”

Ashley Kelly 200m. Photo: Rio 2016

Ashley Kelly, who was the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of her first Olympic Games, was the third athlete to represent the territory. She finished in 5th place with a time of 26.26 in Heat 9 of the 200m. Thrown by a runner drifting into her lane in the stretch, Ashley lost focus on her race with a disappointing result for the athlete. Her Personal and Season’s Best time is 23.17.

“I started out of the blocks strong but lost my focus when the runner in lane 6 drifted out into my lane. Overall, while I walked off the line disappointed, I walk away from this experience so happy and blessed. I believe this is only the beginning. Thanks to all the supporters and the entire BVI community.”

Eldred Henry Shot Put. Photo: Zimbio.com

Eldred Henry rounded up the BVI’s participation when he competed in his first Olympics under the universality invitation. He took to the field in Group B of the Shot Put qualifying round but his throw of 17.07 meters did not advance him to the finals. His Personal Best is 20m and Season Best is 19.39m.

“It wasn’t the result I wanted, but it was a learning experience. I met some of my throwing heroes who have inspired me to aim for my potential and focus my training and set goals for the upcoming three major events in my field: the IAAF World Championships in London 2017, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

Rio 2016 Chef de Mission, Stephanie Russ Penn, under the oversight of the BVI Olympic Committee Executive, managed the territory’s presence at the Games. Her role included undertaking the administrative process for the attendance of the athletes and delegation in advance of the Games as well executing official requirements and on-the-ground management of daily team programmes during the Games.

Rio 2016 Chef de Mission Stephanie Russ Penn.

“The BVI can be proud of its team members who remained focused in the run up to each of their events. The coaches, physiotherapist and doctor were on call as needed and provided critical services to the athletes in their preparations for competition.

“Overall the experience has been positive. Whilst there were some challenges, fortunately our time at Rio 2016 was not particularly hampered by issues of security or on-site amenities. The Brazilian people we met were warm, friendly and helpful and I must give special mention to our two dedicated Brazilian NOC Assistants, Elaine and Jessica for their invaluable roles in helping me get things done during the Games.”

In addition to Mrs. Russ Penn, the official delegation to Rio 2016 included Winston Potter, Head Athletics Coach, Omar Jones, Athletics Coach, Benoit Grattepanche, Swimming Coach, Tracy Bradshaw, Swimming Chaperone, Matthew McGrath, Physiotherapist, Dr. Harlan Vanterpool, Doctor, Mark Chapman, Olympic Attache, Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC and Lloyd Black, Secretary General, BVIOC.

About Rio 2016
More than 11,000 athletes from 207 National Olympic Committees took part in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. There were 306 sets of medals across 28 Olympic sports, including rugby sevens and golf, which were added to the Olympic program in 2009. These sporting events took place at 33 venues in the host city of Rio, and at five in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasília, and Manaus.

The United States topped the medal table for the fifth time in the past six Summer Olympics, winning the most golds (46) and most medals overall (121). Great Britain and China finished in second and third respectively. Host country Brazil won seven gold medals, their most at any single Summer Olympics.

Rio 2016 Delegation

Dr Harlan Vanterpool, Team BVI Physician.

Dr. Matt McGrath, Team BVI Physiotherapist

Swimming coach, Benoit Grattepanche

Coach Omar Jones with Eldred Henry

Coach Pottter, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Ashley Kelly, BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn

Lloyd Black, BVIOC Secretary General

Check out the Team BVI Rio 2016 Album

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News, Swimming

Behind the Scenes at Rio 2016 with Eldred Henry

August 17, 2016 by Admin

Eldred Henry during training at Rio 2016. Photo: BIVOC

It’s was a cold and drizzly day in Rio but the training must go on for 21-year old Eldred Henry, BVI’s first shot putter to go to the Olympics. His event takes place at the Olympic Stadium in the morning of Thursday, August 18 at 9.55am BST (8.55am EST).

Soaking up the experience of being at his first Olympic Games, Eldred has been training twice a day, every day since the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony on August 5.

The morning session is usually muscle work in the gym where the concentration is on power. The afternoons are committed to throwing.

Eldred gets on the bus departing for the Air Force Club from the Athletes’ Village. On this particular day, he’s in the company of some of the other throwers training under the watch of Eldred’s mentor, Tennessee coach, John Newell. The chat on the 30-minute journey is all about the field sport of throwing.

Once at the training base, Eldred exchanges his accreditation card for a couple of shot puts and makes his way to the ring with Nigerian thrower, Stephen Mozia, ranked third in the world.

Eldred Henry dusting with chalk prior to the throw at training at Rio 2016. Photo: BVIOC

“Most of the days I haven’t had any other throwers around so it’s actually quite good to observe them, especially if they are using a technique that my coach has been training me to use.”

Eldred’s coach, Omar Jones arrived into Rio a few days after Eldred during which time the 6’5” athlete maintained his training schedule with BVIAA Head Coach, Winston Potter.

“I have improved quite a lot since the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, primarily because I switched from gliding to rotating when I started training at Arizona Central College,” he explains. “While training here in Rio, I had been sending clips of my throws to Coach Omar so that he can review them and let me know where I need to focus. It’s good to have him here though because he can help me make any adjustments in real time and help me get into my rhythm.”

In the run up to competitions, Eldred prepares body and mind for peak performance. This includes cutting out sugars and sweet foods so as not to slow down his muscles and trying to adapt to a sleeping and waking pattern to suit his competition hours.

Eldred strapping up his wrist prior to a throw. Photo: BVIOC

“Trying to get enough sleep has been a bit of a challenge for me because my timetable in the BVI is different, but I should be okay,” he says.

On his mind set for competition day, Eldred says that he learned a lot from Glasgow 2014, including what to expect once he enters the arena. “I need to stay level headed and calm. My Personal Best is a 20 meter throw which actually was a safety throw and my Season Best was 19.39 in Tucson in May this year so I feel that if I can stay relaxed and focused, I can get out there and try and do even better.”

Coach Omar Jones with Eldred Henry at Rio 2016. Photo: BVIOC

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News Tagged With: #teambvi, Eldred Henry, Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Shot Put

Behind the Scenes at Rio 2016 with Ashley Kelly

August 13, 2016 by Admin

Ashley Kelly in team wear at Rio 2016 Photo: BVIOC

After the whirlwind of excitement of leading Team BVI as the British Virgin Islands’ Flag Bearer into the Maracana Stadium at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Ashley Kelly switched into full training mode for the upcoming Women’s 200m heats which kick off at 8.35am on Monday, August 15.

Waking up bright and early on day 6 of the Olympics, Ashley grabs a bowl of cereal and makes her way to the Athletes’ Transport hub with Head Athletics Coach Winston Potter and personal coach, Pete Charles. Plugging in to some tunes, Ashley takes the opportunity to focus on the morning ahead during the 20-minute bus ride.

The sun is out and it’s a moderately cool and temperate day in Rio. The Navy Base Club, one of the three athletic training grounds for Rio 2016, is active with athletes from all over the world clustered in small groups on the track field. The trio that make up Ashley’s group find a spot under the tent and discuss the set of exercises that Ashley will do that morning.

“I don’t normally get a say in what my training schedule looks like,” says Ashley. “I can tell Coach if my body is particularly
hurting but otherwise, it’s his decision on what I will be doing that day.”

Ashley Kelly training at Rio 2016. Photo: BVIOC

Ashley begins her session with stretches and limb warm ups. “I’m not doing any starts today,” she explains. “It’s a light training day so I’ll do a couple of short sprints and finish with one hard 200m sprint.”

The following day being a rest day means that Ashley will go back and have a session with the Team BVI physiotherapist, Matt McGrath. “I don’t tend to have treatment if I’m training the next day because Matt’s work goes deep into my muscle and it takes a while for the soreness to dissipate.”

Matt agrees, explaining that the physical response to the targeted treatment varies from individual to individual.

Ashley Kelly with Head Athletic Coach Winston Potter and personal coach, Pete Charles. Photo: BVIOC

Ashley had incorporated some light gym work in her training regime at the start of the week just to warm up her muscles. “At this point, it’s not about building or strengthening muscles and Tuesday was my last day at the gym. The hard work has been done and now it’s about keeping in optimal condition for competition.”

There is a lot of support for each other in the three apartments shared by the Team BVI delegation of athletes, coaches, physiotherapist and Chef de Mission at Olympic Village. Everyone is on a different schedule but there is constant communication between them through social media chats to make sure that everyone is kept up to date with information, plans (and jokes).

There are dining options in the Village but as a person who likes her fresh fruits, Ashley keeps a stock to hand along with healthy snacks that she tucks into as she feels like.

Ashley Kelly in training at at Rio 2016. Photo: BVIOC

“I’ve met up with some of my peers from Illinois and other track meets and I’ve had the opportunity to watch some fencing and basketball,” says Ashley of her extra curricular time at her first Olympic Games. “Those are the two sports I was particularly keen to see at this level and that’s enough for now. My end game is why I’m here and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News Tagged With: #teambvi, Ashley Kelly, British Virgin Islands, Rio 2016, Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games