The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) proudly celebrates an historic milestone at the ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, with sprinter Jaleel Croal securing the territory’s first-ever medals at a Junior Pan Am Games, and strong debut performances by teammates Wanyaé Belle and Khybah Dawson.
Croal, making his second appearance at the Junior Pan Am Games, etched his name into BVI sporting history by claiming bronze in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.16s and silver in the men’s 200m with a time of 20.39s. These achievements mark the BVI’s inaugural medal haul at the Junior Pan Am Games, underlining Croal’s status as one of the territory’s brightest track and field prospects.
On winning his medals, Croal said, “I was grateful just because I had a long season and am very elated and happy that I can show the young ones that anything is possible and to believe in themselves and shoot for the stars.”
Belle ran a non-advancing time of 10.72 in Heat 2 of the 100m semifinals and placed 5th in the 200m final (20.84s), showing promise as a rising talent on the sprint circuit.
In the field events, Dawson narrowly missed the podium, finishing 4th in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.25m, just 0.12cm shy of a medal position. His performance signals promising potential for the BVI in horizontal jumps.
The BVI delegation included Chef de Mission Gloria Fahie, Coach Winston Potter, Physiotherapist Courtny Bascombe, Safeguarding Officer Sophie Brewley-Massiah and BVIOC President Ephraim Penn – who also serves on the Panam Sports Technical Commission and as President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Eastern Caribbean (ANOCES). President Penn had the honor of presenting the medals in the men’s 100m, 200m, and long jump events.
“These results are a proud moment for the BVI and a testament to the hard work, discipline, and determination of our athletes,” said President Penn. “Jaleel’s medal wins are historic for the Virgin Islands and serve as inspiration for the next generation. Wanyaé and Khybah also showcased tremendous talent on their debuts, signaling a bright future for BVI athletics.”
Chef de Mission Gloria Fahie added: “The athletes have shown outstanding discipline, focus, and resilience throughout the Games. Their performances not only highlight their individual talents but also showcase the strength and promise of BVI athletics on the regional and international stage. It has been an honor to lead this delegation and witness history being made.”
With the Games concluded, Croal, Belle, and Dawson will now return to their respective colleges to continue their athletic and academic pursuits.
About ASU2025
The Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games provide a platform for athletes aged 17–22 to gain elite competition experience and qualify for the Lima 2027 Pan Am Games. The event embodies unity, youth empowerment, and sportsmanship, with the official motto: “The Heart in the Games.”
