By Reynold O’Neal
The World Athletics Under 20 Junior Championships in Lima, Peru marked an important milestone in the track and field history of the British Virgin Islands. Two days after becoming the first athlete from her country to earn a silver medal at the World U20 when she placed second to Jamaica’s Alana Reid in the 100 m dash, the 18-year-old Adaejah Hodge lived up to her favourite’s billing by winning the 200m dash in an impressive 22.74 seconds.
The performances made her only the second athlete from the Territory to have won a medal of any colour these Championships, following Kyron McMaster’s bronze in the 400m hurdles in 2016.
McMaster has thus far been the only BVI athlete to have won a medal at a senior Outdoor World Championships event when he finished second at the 2023 World Championships in Athletics. Earlier Tahesia Harrigan had won a bronze medal in the 60m dash in 2008.
Global gold medals by athletes from the smaller countries of the Caribbean have been quite rare, although 2nd and 3rd place finishes have been less so. In fact, prior to Hodge only two athletes from the smaller islands of the Caribbean had won their events at the World U20 – Akela Jones of Barbados and Kirani James of Grenada. Interestingly, all three had won the Sir Austin Sealy award as the Outstanding Athlete at the CARIFTA Games.
Kirani James is unique among international athletes in that he has won gold medals at World Youth and World Junior championships (twice) as well as having a complete set of gold, silver and bronze medals at both the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships.
Hodge will hope to join the trio of her compatriots who at some point in their careers have been ranked in the world’s top 10 in their events – Tahesia Harrigan in the 100m, Chantel Malone in the long jump (twice) and Kyron McMaster in the 400m hurdles (7 times).
“With medals in mind, the BVIOC is seeking to boost the monthly stipend for the 6 athletes on our roster identified as likely to make the team for Paris 2024 which takes place this summer July 26 – August 11,” said BVIOC and BVI Commonwealth Games Association President Ephraim Penn. “The annual sum for the programme has already been allocated and we are very grateful for the sponsors that have come on board this year to help with the additional funds required by the athletes to continue to cover the services of their respective coaches and therapists over the next five months.”
Explaining more about the scholarship programme, BVIOC/BVICGA Treasurer Mark Chapman said, “The THSEAS stipend contributes to training and coaching, athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition counselling, and mental resilience training. These resources are critical in helping athletes reach their full potential and achieve success at the international level. Our reporting system for the grants ensures accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds.”
CTL has committed to supporting the THSEAS programme for four years with an annual sponsorship of $10,000. Mr. David Thomas, Operations Manager speaking at the media briefing said, “Clarence Thomas Ltd has always been at the forefront in trying to help any development that happens in our country. We believe in supporting and assisting where we can in the development of our future stars. We are in a unique position right now with our current world class athletes with more coming up so it wasn’t difficult for us to come on board and help.”
Conyers has contributed $10,000 to the programme for the road to Paris 2024 with an option to renew the commitment thereafter. Mark Forte, Managing Partner and Head of Litigation and Restructuring for Conyers said, “As a major employer within the community we believe strongly in supporting various initiatives in the community and are attracted to programmes that help develop, address the future and aspirations of talent. We identify with the notions of perseverance, commitment, achievement, dedication and no short cuts so we are proud to play a part and congratulate all those involved in the [THSEAS] programme. We wish all the best to our athletes and look forward to watching them strive in Paris – it’s not all about winning but it’s about development of the individual, the team, the community, and the country is the most important thing.”
