Elinah Phillip wins hat trick of silver medals at 2018 Carifta Swimming Championships

April 4, 2018 by

Source: BVI Swimming Association

Elinah Phillip scored a hat trick with 3 silver medals won in the 50m Freestyle (26.29), 50m Fly (28.29) and the 100 Free (58.98) at the 2018 Carifta Swimming Championships, Jamaica. Photo: Proviced

Swimmer Elinah Phillip competing at the 23rd Carifta Swimming Championships in Jamaica completed her events in the Girls 15-17 years category with podium finishes in all three.

Elinah’s first race was the 50m Butterfly in which she placed 2nd with a time of 28.29 seconds. Chade Nersicio, Curacao took 1st (28.00) and Shaun Johnson, Jamaica came 3rd (28.52).

Elinah went on to win her second silver medal in the 100m Freestyle in 58.98 seconds.

The VI swimmer rounded up her 2018 Carifta appearance with her third silver medal when she placed 2nd in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 28.29 second.

The 2018 Carifta Swimming Championships took place March 15 – April 4, 2018.

Elinah, a Virgin Islander who lives and trains in the UK, has represented the VI in major games including the Youth and Senior Commonwealth Games, and the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games where she was the first swimmer to represent the territory at the Olympics.

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Queen’s Baton Relay leads BVI athletes to Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

June 21, 2017 by

BVI athletes, tennis coach and Chef for the Bahamas 2017 Copmmonwealth Youth Games with the BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, Chef for the previous youth games in Delhi, Isle of Man, and Samoa. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) introduced the itinerary and route of the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay which heralds that start of the quadrennially held Commonwealth Games and announced the 8 young athletes that will be attending the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The BVI delegation to the Bahamas 2017 CYG (July 18 – 23) was introduced by Ms. Sabinah Clement, Chef de Mission for the Games at a media briefing at the BVIOC office on Monday, June 19.

The BVI team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.

The athletes will take part in the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through the communities of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda in a series of public activities and relays planned for Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event that invites members of the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories to showcase their country, culture, hospitality, communities, and sports. It is a unique event and an occasion for all who reside in the BVI to come together in the spirit of friendship and unity and we strongly urge everyone to make an effort to join in where they can,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association.

The full programme starts with the official welcome reception on Monday, July 3 from 9.00am to 10.00am at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the baton is officially handed over to the Premier and the Virgin Islands.

The public relay will then start with the first baton bearer on a route through Road Town to take in the Tortola Pier Park, Waterfront Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park, Old Government House, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Main Street, Botanic Station and ending at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The baton will then be driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay where the students will be back at school with a short presentation to welcome the QBR.

The relay will then continue to Manuel Reef and the baton will be sailed to Nanny Cay aboard a Tortola Sloop and a flotilla of dinghies. At 3.00pm the relay will pass through Cane Garden Bay from De Wedding heading east to Quito’s.

A relay supported by residents will pass through Great Harbour at 4.00pm before the baton is transported back to Tortola.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a public welcome ceremony at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda from 9.00am – 10.00am. The baton then will be handed over for a relay through the Valley up to the Baths. All residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada are encouraged to participate.

The baton will arrive back to Tortola at 4.30pm where it will be received by cyclists at Trellis Bay and ridden across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and handed over for a relay on foot through Long Look, the Sticket and East End and end at the Greenlands Playing Field.

A cultural presentation by traditional musicians, dancers and performers to include performances by the Australian resident community will form part of the official closing ceremony starting at 6:00pm at the Central Administration Complex. The evening will end with music and local food and refreshments on sale.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports including the Departments of Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Tourist Board and GIS.

Event sponsors include the Government of the Virgin Islands, the BVI Bank Association – Banco Popular, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and VP Bank – Premier Dental, Harneys, Meridian Construction, BVI Painters, Road Town Wholesale, Eureka Medical and Bougainvillea Clinic.

National Federations, schools, and Community and Social Groups will be supporting the event in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

The baton, which contains the message from the Queen to the athletes competing in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018, and international crew will arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1 at 7.00pm and will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

The last time the Queen’s Baton Relay toured the BVI was ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games.

More information can be found on www.bviolympics.org. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or who would like more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay event in the VI can contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 496 6007.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay returns to the BVI for fourth time

May 17, 2017 by

Kyron McMaster carries the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton in a relay leg through Road Town in April 2014.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) is on its journey through the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories as it heralds the start of the quadrennial Commonwealth Games which will be held in Australia in 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA), will host the Relay in the British Virgin Islands when the Baton and traveling crew arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1, 2017 until they depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5.

There will be two days of community-oriented activity as the relay passes through Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“Although called a relay, running is not central to the QBR and the activities planned through Road Town, Sea Cow’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, The Valley, Virgin Gorda and East End/Long Look will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC/BVICGA.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton was designed by Queensland-based Designworks and incorporates Macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast, LED

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton

illumination which lights up when held, a Queen’s message window and GPS to track the Baton in real time.

Working with key stakeholders, the BVICGA organizing committee has planned a relay route and activities that will showcase to the world the VI’s residents, its sports-men, -women and -children, its beauty, culture, diversity and hospitality.

The Delhi 2010 Queen’s Baton makes a stop at the Elmore Stout High School in March 2010.

“This is definitely a community event and we are delighted to have the support of the Governor’s Office, the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Departments of Education, Culture and Sports, the BVI Tourist Board and the Royal BVI Police Force as well as the Australian community in the planning and execution,” said Mr. Penn. “We also invite businesses to join private sector entities, the BVI Bank Association, Premier Dental, Harneys and RTW in sponsoring this unifying initiative.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in all the relays and public activities which will include an official ‘Welcome’ ceremony on July 3, relays involving the spectrum of sporting associations and a grand cultural finale on July 4 showcasing the traditions, music and culinary treats from the VI and Australia as organized by the resident Australian community members.

The Relay started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017. At the commencement ceremony, HM Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the athletes in to the Baton which will pass through the hands of the many batonbearers who will carry it around the Commonwealth.

Covering 142,915 miles in 388 days, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games history traveling to more than one third of the world’s

population. It engages communities and provides a platform for thousands of people to ‘share the dream’ ahead of the quadrennial celebration of Commonwealth sport from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will embody the values of the Commonwealth Games Federation – Humanity, Equality and Destiny and build upon the event’s reputation as the ‘Friendly Games’ and the integral role sport plays in uniting and strengthening communities.

Get more information on the GC2018 QBR.

 

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI

May 16, 2017 by

Join in and share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through your community in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Click here to read the itinerary and route of the Baton in the BVI.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Sofia Fay by email at sofia@broadswordpr.com or by ‘phone on (284) 541 7845 or Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by ‘phone on (284) 494 6920.

Images of the Dheli 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relays in the BVI

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Uncategorized, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Two silver medals for Phillip at XXXII Carifta Swimming Championships

April 21, 2017 by

By BVI Swim Federation

Elinah Phillip won two silver medals representing the British Virgin Islands at the 32nd Carifta Swimming Championships held in the Bahamas April 15-19, 2017. Photo: BVI Swim Federation

Elinah Phillip won two silver medals representing the British Virgin Islands at the 32nd Carifta Swimming Championships held in the Bahamas April 15-19, 2017. Photo: BVI Swim Federation

Elinah Phillip won two silver medals representing the British Virgin Islands at the 32nd Carifta Swimming Championships held in the Bahamas April 15-19, 2017.

Elinah competed in three events, the 50 butterfly, 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle.

She came in second in the 50 meter butterfly race on April 16 ending the race with a new personal best and national record time of 28.13s.

On April 18, Elinah took the silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle with a time of 26.67. Prior to that race, she had placed 5th in the 100 meter freestyle with a season’s best of 59.30 in the heats and a time of 59.62 in the final.

Elinah’s medal winning times rank her 3rd and 4th respectively in the Great Britain rankings for her age group to date.

The regional meet which is the premier age group competition in the region, attracted the participation of athletes from 26 different countries

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BVI swimmers shine at Virgin Islands Short Course Swim Meet

February 10, 2017 by

By BVI Swim Federation

BVI Swim Federation swimmers from the Makos Swim Club (L to R) Coach Elworth Phillip, Arianna Angus, Khadijah Sampson, Kassia Nichols, Jaden Marshall, Kurt Salapare at the Virgin Islands Short Course Meet, St Thomas. Photo: BVI Swim Federation

Five Makos Swim Club Swimmers started their 2017 swim year with stellar performances at the USVI Birthday Bash Swim Meet on 28 January 2017.

Competing for Team BVI were Jaden Marshall, Khadijah Sampson, Kassia Nichols, Kurt Salapare, Arianna Angus. This was an open meet where all swimmers competed in mixed age group events.

Coach Elsworth Phillip said he was happy with the way the swimmers performed at this event simply based on the fact that the young swimmers had an opportunity to compete against older, stronger swimmers in mixed events. “Meets like these provide an opportunity for our swimmers to compete for better times as they are being pushed by stronger swimmers.”

Notable results for BVI Swimmers
Makos male swimmers showing great progress were Jaden Marshall swam 43.92” in the 50m breaststroke beating Kurt Salapare by a small margin of 0.65” to win the event. Not to be outdone by his teammate, Kurt Salapare sprinted to 1:11.08 in the 100 freestyle, the fastest time for a BVI male swimmer in this event.

Khadijah Sampson continues her dominance as the Virgin Islands top 9 to 10 year old female swimmer by winning three of the four events she competed in.

Events and Results:

50m Free

100m Free

200m Free

50m Fly

100m Fly

50m Breast

100m Breast

50m Back
Jaden Marshall

32.26

40.87

43.92
Kurt Salapare

32.46

1:11.08

44.57

1:35.54
Khadijah Sampson

39.97

1:32.45

3:23.12

53.41
Kassia Nichols

34.19

42.87

1:44.44

44.43
Arianna Angus

1:27.02

38.35

 1:36.69

45.13
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Team BVI reports on 2016 OECS Swimming Championship

December 19, 2016 by

By CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank

Diane Francis, Manager, Retail Banking, CIBC FirstCaribbean (L) with BVI Swim team members who competed in the 2016 OECS Swimming Championships (l-r), Khadija Sampson, Arianna Angus, Keon Sampson, Kurt Salapare, Kassia Nichols, swim coach, Elsworth Phillip, and Kishma Williams, Administrative Officer, CIBC FirstCaribbean. Missing from photo, swimmer Jaden Marshall. Photo: CIBC FirstCaribbean

Diane Francis, Manager, Retail Banking, CIBC FirstCaribbean (L) with BVI Swim team members who competed in the 2016 OECS Swimming Championships (l-r), Khadija Sampson, Arianna Angus, Keon Sampson, Kurt Salapare, Kassia Nichols, swim coach, Elsworth Phillip, and Kishma Williams, Administrative Officer, CIBC FirstCaribbean. Missing from photo, swimmer Jaden Marshall. Photo: CIBC FirstCaribbean

With the support of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and the BVI Olympic Committee, the BVI Swimming Federation sent its top six local based swimmers to the 26th OECS Swimming Championship which took place in St Vincent and the Grenadines on November 10-12.

The 2016 championships fielded a total of 187 competitive swimmers from the OECS region. Teams participating included Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Martinique.

Khadija Sampson, who won the 2015 OECS Swimming Championship 100m freestyle bronze medal, participated in the Girls’ 8 and Under category competing in the 100m, 50m and 25m Freestyle, the 100m Individual Medley, the 25m ButterFly, the 25m Backstroke, and the 25m Breaststroke.

Arianna Angus, Kassia Nichols competed in the Girls’ 11-12 age group while Jaden Marshall, Keon Sampson and Kurt Salapare competed in the Boys’ 11-12 age group. Both sets of groups swam in the 400m, 200m, 100m & 50m Freestyle, the 100m & 50m Breaststroke, the 100m & 50m Butterfly, the 100m & 50m Backstroke, and the 200m & 100m Individual Medley.

The top male swimmer for Team BVI was Jaden Marshall who won three of his heats swimming to national records and top female swimmer for Team BVI was Khadija Sampson who swam to all personal best and became the first BVI 8 and under Swimmer to swim the 25m freestyle under 17 seconds swimming the event in 16.98 seconds.

This was the first swim meet of its size that the swimmers had competed in and representatives of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank met with the young swimmers to recognise their representation of the territory and their personal achievements.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you and to hear about your performances and your experiences in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Ms Diane Francis, Retail Banking Manager. “CIBC FirstCaribbean is really proud to support you in your efforts and to encourage you to keep up with the hard work and effort in improving in your sport. It’s good to know that you enjoyed visiting a new country and meeting other young swimmers from around the region while representing the BVI. We look forward to keeping up with your progress.”

“Even though team BVI did not win a medal at this year’s OECS Swimming Champs, we were happy with the overall performance of our swimmers as they swam for many personal bests at the meet, which is a clear indication to their commitment to the sport,” said Elsworth Phillip, the BVI Swimming Federation coach, “As a Federation and as a team, we are very appreciative of the support and encouragement that we have received from CIBC FirstCaribbean and the BVI Olympic Committee.”

Download results.

The 2017 OECS Swimming Championships will be held in Martinique.

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VI swimmers net spectacular results at St Thomas Swim Meet

October 4, 2016 by

Source: VINO

The Virgin Islands' swim team in St Thomas, USVI. Mrs Simone Foster (left) of Harneys is seen presenting a sponsorship check to the VI swimmers at the St Thomas Meet. Photo: Provided

The Virgin Islands’ swim team in St Thomas, USVI. Mrs Simone Foster (left) of Harneys is seen presenting a sponsorship check to the VI swimmers at the St Thomas Meet. Photo: Provided

Six Virgin Islands’ swimmers competed in the St Thomas 2016 October Opener Swim meet with spectacular swims and numerous personal best times last weekend in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Swimming for Team Virgin Islands (VI) were Jaden Marshall, Keon Sampson, Kurt Salapare, Kassia Nichols, Khadija Sampson, and Arianna Angus and Coach Elsworth Phillip said he was happy with the many new personal best times.

Khadijah Sampson, competing in the U8 Division led the way with first place finishes in the 25m Freestyle event (21.19), 25m Breaststroke (25.99 new PB), 100M Freestyle (1:39.49) and a second place in the 25m Butterfly (22.71).

It was the team’s first meet since April and Elsworth pointed out that his team still has quite a bit of work to do heading into the OECS swimming Championships next month in St Vincent.

Jaden Marshall won the Boys 11-12 50m Breaststroke in a time of 45.13, which was a new PB and also finished first in the 50m Butterfly with a new PB of 42.29.

Arianna Angus claimed first place in the 11-12 Girls 100m Butterfly in a time of 1:41.69 (new PB) and in the 50m version with a new PB of 41.79.

Official Meet Results

Event Swimmer Place

Finals Time

 Achievement
Boys 11-12 50Meter Freestyle Jaden Marshall 2nd

32.62

PB
Boys 11-12 50Meter Freestyle Kurt Salapare 3rd

33.63

PB
Boys 13 and Over 50Meter Freestyle Keon Sampson 4th

37.14

PB
Girls 8 & Under 25meter Freestyle Khadija Sampson 1st

21.19
Girls 11-12 50 Meter Breaststroke Kassia Nichols 2nd

45.04

PB
Boys 11-12 50 Meter Breaststroke Jaden Marshall 1st

45.13

PB
Boys 11-12 50 Meter Breaststroke Kurt Salapare 2nd

45.73

PB
Boys 13 & Over 50 Meter Breaststroke Keon Sampson 2nd

49.61

PB
Girls 8 & Under 25meter Breaststroke Khadija Sampson 1st

25.99

PB
Girls 11-12 100 Meter Butterfly Arianna Angus 1st

1:41.69

PB
Boys 11-12 50 Meter Backstroke Kurt Salapare 2nd

41.99
Girls 8 & Under 100 meter Freestyle Khadija Sampson 1st

1:39.49
Girls 11-12  100 meter Freestyle Kassia Nichols 4th

1:24.31

PB
Boys 11-12  100 meter Freestyle Jaden Marshall 2nd

1:19.59

PB
Boys 11-12 100 meter Freestyle Kurt Salapare 3rd

1:19.87

PB
Boys 13 & Over 100 meter Freestyle Keon Sampson 3rd

1:30.31

PB
Boys 11-12 50 Meter Butterfly Jaden Marshall 1st

42.29

PB
Girls 11-12 50 Meter Butterfly Arianna Angus 1st

41.79

PB
BOYS 13 & Over 50 Meter Butterfly Keon Sampson 4th

44.57

PB
Girls 8 & Under 25meterButterfly Khadija Sampson 2nd

22.71
Girls 11-12 100 Meter Breaststroke Kassia Nichols 2nd

1:42.63

PB
Girls 11-12 100 Meter IM Arianna Angus 2nd

1:34.79

PB
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Third Physical Literacy workshop to help develop youth in sports

September 27, 2016 by
Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

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 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.

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

BVI takes away positive experience from Rio 2016

August 23, 2016 by
Rio 2016 Team BVI - Elinah Phillip – 50m Freestyle; Tahesia Harrigan-Scott – 100m; Eldred Henry – Shot Put; Ahsley Kelly – 200m. Photo: BVIOC

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

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 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 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.

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 Harlan Vanterpool, Team BVI Physician.

Dr. Matt McGrath, Team BVI Physiotherapist

Dr. Matt McGrath, Team BVI Physiotherapist

Benoit Grattepanche

Swimming coach, Benoit Grattepanche

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

Coach Omar Jones with Eldred Henry

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd Black, BVIOC Secretary General

Lloyd Black, BVIOC Secretary General

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the Team BVI Rio 2016 Album

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