World Silver medalist and Tokyo 2020 4th place finalist, Olympian Kyron McMaster cruised to an automatic semifinals’ qualifier in the 400m hurdles with a time of 49.24 in Round 1 Heat 1 at the Stade de France, Paris on August 5. That same day, young Olympians Adaejah Hodge (200m) and Thad Lettsome (ILCA7) closed out their first historic Olympic appearances at the Paris 2024 Games.
McMaster, who has been handling a persistent anterior labrum injury that has plagued him throughout the season, has been working successfully with his team on a pain management programme to allow him to work through the rounds as he competes in the 2nd Olympic appearance of his career.
“The main objective was to secure the big Q, so once I positioned myself for the first 250 meters into the race, I just kept it and eased it home,” said McMaster of his Round 1 race. “I tried not to aggravate anything, kept my composure and secured the finish.”
McMaster will race in the 400m hurdles Semifinal 2 in Lane 4 at the Stade de France on August 7 starting at 7:35pm / 1:35pm AST.
Hodge competed in the 200m Repechage at the Stade de France in Paris the morning of August 5 progressing to the semifinals that evening. An historic first for the BVI, Hodge ran in semifinal 1 where she achieved her best time in the Olympics of 22.70. The 18-year-old sprinter – the youngest competitor in her field – bowed out of the Games with a 17th place finish.
“Before the race I was talking myself to get myself amped up and it seemed to work, because I actually lowered my time,” said Hodge. “Throughout the race, I just trusted my training and trusted what I’ve been doing leading up to this point. I think I executed my race well. I’m only 18 so I’m looking forward to the next event, which is the U20s in Peru, and dominate there.”
Hodge – while proud to be the first 200m semifinalist for her nation – aspires to climb higher and be the VI’s first female Olympic medalist. “I know that I can’t overshadow my Blessings and my small victories like today but know that I am not content with this level. I always want to break the ceiling. For a female to bring home the first medal – that’s the goal, ” she said.
On her take away from the Olympic experience, Hodge noted that the big stage was daunting. “It’s very hard to go out into the crowd – everyone screaming – so getting comfortable in the situation with all those fans and [to] allow myself to be Adaejah Hodge is something I will need to do,” she said.
Hodge went on to share her insight to aspiring athletes explaining that “it takes a lot of sacrifice; it takes a lot of discipline, and it takes that “beast” mentality” to reap the rewards.
Lettsome, sailing in the Men’s Dinghy ILCA7 in Marseille concluded his event with races 7 and 8 on August 4 after races 9 and 10 on August 5 were cancelled due to no breeze.
With uncertain sailing conditions and course changes for every race, Lettsome had faced daily challenges on the water but executed solid races for an overall 38/43 position in the fleet. He had a standout 2nd place finish in race 4 on August 2.
“It was absolutely amazing to be able to represent the BVI here at the Olympics and to see what I could do against the best guys in the world at the pinnacle of the sport,” said Lettsome. “I have lots of good takeaways and lots of good highlights as well. Finishing in 2nd place in that race was a great achievement and something I will never forget and, I hope, can serve as an inspiration looking forward.”
Lettsome, who is the territory’s first sailing Olympian since 1996, lamented there had not been others between times. He shared his encouragement and hopes for future sailors to represent the VI at major Games.
“Hopefully I will not be the last sailing Olympian for such a long time again. I say to people back home to just go out and try the thing. You have to start [in order] to get here, so take the chance and go see what sailing is like. Go on Saturday mornings to the Yacht Club and give it a go; sign up for Summer Camp and just see. You never know – you really may enjoy doing it and you never know where it will lead.”
Lettsome was accompanied by Coach Chris Watters and Team Leader, Tamsin Rand who described the atmosphere in Marseille as being “incredible”. Thousands of spectators were at the venue in the South of France and creating a buzz around the city.
“Overall, this event was an amazing experience for Thad,” said Watters. “He is a better sailor because he was here. The 2nd place in race 4 will always be the highlight of this event and the efforts that he has put in over the last 3 or 4 months have really shown through in that spot. Everyone is super proud. He has done a great job, and we look forward to more.”
Rand, who is the administrator at the Royal BVI Yacht Club, has seen Lettsome progress from a young age.
“I am super proud of Thad’s achievements this week,” said Rand. “He has a very bright future in sailing and is a true inspiration for our youth sailors at home. The next generation of BVI Olympic sailors have been glued to Thad’s races and have witnessed history in action. I can’t not mention his 2nd place finish in Race four which is the BEST race result of any BVI Olympic sailor!”
Hodge and Lettsome were the VI’s Flagbearers at the historic Opening Ceremony along the River Seine on July 26.
“Once again we have seen incredible accomplishments by two young athletes who have represented us on the world stage with composure and discipline beyond their years,” said BVI Olympic Committee President Ephraim Penn. “We know that this is just the beginning for Adaejah and Thad and we thank and congratulate them for their dedication, commitment and sacrifices made to compete at this highest level of sport at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We are proud of you!”
The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro in attendance at the Games, added her commendations of the Olympians who have concluded their appearances Paris 2024.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Thad Lettsome for flying the BVI flag in sailing with excellence,” said Honourable de Castro. “His 2nd place finish in Race 4 is a remarkable achievement, and he is the first from the BVI to achieve such an incredible feat. Thad’s success is truly inspirational and demonstrates what’s possible for the future of sailing in the BVI.
“Congratulations also to Rikkoi Brathwaite and Adaejah Hodge, who have made history by reaching the semi-finals in the 100 meters and 200 meters, respectively, as first-time Olympians. This is a monumental achievement, reflecting the grit and determination it took to reach this level of competition. Their performances have set a new standard and have shown that our athletes are among the best in the world.”
The Minister shared her comments on McMaster’s progression to the semifinals of the 400m hurdles.
“Kyron McMaster, a semi-finalist also continues to chart a path for our athletes, serving as motivation for those coming behind. I look forward to his advancement in the games and further achievements,” said Honourable de Castro. “Once again, congratulations to all our athletes for representing the BVI with pride and excellence.”
Approximately 10,500 participants from over 200 Olympic Delegations are competing in 32 Olympic sports at Paris 2024. The Games can be followed live on SportsMax Channels.
