Sports back on track after Hurricanes Irma and Maria

November 23, 2017 by

Source: BVI Platinum

Sports back on track after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Photo: Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News

Despite the obvious devastation at the A.O. Shirley Recreational Grounds, the facility is once again buzzing with activity, as BVI student athletes hit the track in preparation for the track and field season, which starts in January.

Amid the damaged fixtures which lay waste all around the blue track, athletes of different ages, from various schools and local track clubs, train at different times each day.

They all have different goals and track meets to attend in the upcoming season. But all agree that Hurricane Irma and her trail of destruction were not enough to stop them from representing the BVI next year.

“We never stopped. We were back in training probably as early as a week after Irma. We are competing internationally with countries like Jamaica, the US and places in Europe, and those athletes don’t stop so we can’t stop,” said track coach Willis Todman from Sprint Tech.

He is currently preparing three female athletes from the Elmore Stoutt High School, who were engaged in a training session while he spoke to BVI Platinum News.

He explained that even student athletes at the elementary level are in training in preparation for various competitions next year.

“Track and field for us is a business. Most of these kids in the BVI will be looking to go to colleges soon, so they need to be prepared so they can be picked up by recruiters who attend these events,” Todman related.

He revealed that next year, high school students are set to compete at the annual CARIFTA games, OECS Games, World Junior Championships and some meets in the United States.

Once recruited to compete for overseas colleges (especially in the United States), BVI student athletes are paid up to $70,000 a year, to cover living expenses, tuition and books. This avenue is a lucrative one for juniors who get the opportunity to attend college free of cost, while doing track and field – something they enjoy.

Many are hoping to follow in the footsteps of 20 year-old BVI native Nelda Huggins, who was recently recruited by the University of Texas and is now ranked number 1 female junior athlete in the US for the women’s 100m event.

Kyron McMaster is also another BVI athlete who offers much hope to aspiring track stars in the Territory.

McMaster was coached locally by the late Xavier ‘Dagg’ Samuels and signed to colleges in the US before becoming the fastest 400m hurdler this year.

Todman said the BVI continues to show excellence in track, adding that a recruiter from a United States college travelled to the BVI last week, to express an interest in recruiting 16 year-old sprinter Beyoncé Defreitas, who is now under his tutelage.

“Last year she was the silver medalist at the the 200m at the Junior Commonwealth Games and that coach came down to show his face and express an interest. But it comes down to where Beyoncé will feel comfortable at the end of the day,” Todman explained.

Defreitas agrees with her coach and told BVI Platinum News that she is waiting to see the other colleges that will express an interest in her before she picks an overseas university to compete for.

She is confident that she will be ready for next season, but admits that Irma did affect her focus for a while.

Photo Credit: Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News
“It did slow me down for the first month, a little bit, but not much. Right now we trying to perfect form and I am pretty sure I’m gonna get it down pat before the season starts,” Defreitas said with a smile.

Another athlete, 14 year-old Akrissa Eristee, said despite the impact of Hurricane Irma, she is confident that BVI athletes can still compete with top athletes in the Caribbean and the world next year.

“I am confident that we can bring it, just as hard. I feel confident that I am gonna reach my goals,” Akrissa said.

She added that the resilience of the BVI people in the aftermath of Irma will inspire her to do her best next season.

She encouraged other student track athletes to stay focused and committed to the sport, despite various challenges they may face.

“Just stay focused and know that you really have to want it,” Akrissa said.

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BVI athletes deliver good results for USA colleges

March 7, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

BVI athletes compete for USA colleges at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championships held at Pittsburg State University in Kansas on Saturday March 4, 2017. Photo: BVIAA

BVI athletes competed for USA colleges at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championships held at Pittsburg State University in Kansas on Saturday March 4, 2017. Photo: BVIAA

Athletes from the BVI competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championships held at Pittsburg State University in Kansas on Saturday March 4, 2017 and posted the following times.

Judine Lacey ran the 400m in a time of 1:00.18.

Taylor Hill ran the 60m dash in a time of 7.58 seconds in the semi-finals and also competed in the 200m with a time of 25.51 seconds.

Shaian Vandenburg of Monroe College ran the 60m dash in a time of 7.89 seconds.

Tarique Moses of Central Arizona helped his team secure a 13th overall finish in a time of 10:51.08.

Jonel Lacey of Albany University competing at the IC4/Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Regionals contributed a 56.6 seconds split in the 4 X 400m relay to place 6th. With this, the female team was able to garner enough points to win the ECAC Title! Winning the prestigious title is a first for the University of Albany.

Adaejah Hodge competing for Berkmar High School, GA placed 3rd in the Girls’ 100m with a time of 13.35 and 2nd in the 200m with a time of 27.54. Adaejah also anchored both the 4×1 and 4×4 teams helping them to a first place finish.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite of IMG competed at a local meet in Florida and jumped a distance of 6.84m in the Long Jump.

Tarika Moses ran 11.70 seconds in the Women 100m dash to place 2nd at the Beaver Relays in Sacremento, CA.

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BVI athletes overseas secure more PBs and Podium Finishes

February 28, 2017 by
In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

BVI Athletes competing overseas over the weekend of February 24- 26 performed well to secure podium finishes and personal bests.

Continuing in their streak of fine results while at Findlay University, competing at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC )Indoor Track and Field Championships Tynelle Gumbs threw her longest throw of 21.45m (70’4.25″). The throw was an NCAA automatic qualifier for the National Championship meet and it also broke the school record of 69’11.50″, which she set earlier this season. The GLIAC Champion currently ranks 3rd in Division II.

Her twin sister, Trevia also medaled in the women’s weight throw with a 3rd place finish. Her furthest distance measured 19.09m (62’7.50″), which meets the NCAA provisional mark. Gumbs currently ranks 7th in Division II competition.

BVI Hurdler Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner of Clemson secured her first Atlantic Coast Conference medal in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) aiding Clemson to a second place finish with a time of 11:02.68 seconds. Warner ran her 800m leg of the DMR splitting a blistering 2:05 seconds. Clemson’s time qualified the DMR to compete at the NCAA Nationals in Oregon in two weeks. Ms. Warner got a PB of 2:07 in the 800m for 2nd place in her heat and advance to the finals with a time of 2:09.

Jonel Lacey of Albany University placed 5th in the 400m with a time of 56.67 and helped her team place second in the 4 x 400m with a time of 3:47.79 at the American East Conference Indoor Championships in Boston.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite competed in various track events at the Lake Brantley Invitational in Tampa, Fl., results as follows:
• 1st place with a time of 10.77 seconds out of 48 competitors in the 100m
• 1st place with new PB of 21.77 seconds in the 200m out of 47 competitors
• Rikkoi’s IMG Relay Team secured 2nd place in the 4 X 100m

Tarique Moses secured a third place finish in the 600m at Mesa Arizona with a time of 1:24.

 

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New Personal Bests and Titles for BVI athletes abroad

February 22, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Shaian Vandenburg established a new PB in her 60m heat with a time of 7.78 at the Artie O’Connor Invitational, N.Y.

Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner established a new PB in the indoor 200m with a time of 24.74 seconds at Clemson. Warner’s previous best indoor was 25.34 while her best outdoors is 25.23.

Nelda Huggins established a new PB and a new record in her 60m heat with a time of 7.45 seconds breaking her previous PB record of 7.46 seconds and a meet record of 7.53 seconds at the Buena Vista University in IOWA. Later that day, Nelda Huggins won the Buena Vista University 60m equaling her previous PB with a time of 7.46 seconds.

Competing at the University of Findlay, Tynelle and Trevia recorded a 1st and 2nd place in the weight throw with a heave of 19.99m and 19.48 respectively. Trevia’s throw of 19.48m is a new PB and allowed her to secure an automatic qualifier for the Nationals. Trevia was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week for her achievements.

Shaquoy Stephens ran 6.78 seconds in the 60m dash at the Steve Miller Opener in Manhattan Kansas

Tarika Moses won both the 100m & 200m at Fresno Pacific with times of 12.11 and 24.57 seconds respectively

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Record 27 Nominated For Athletes of The Year Presented By Sol

December 3, 2015 by

By BVIAA

NACAC President Victor Lopez Photo Credit: Todd VanSickle

NACAC President Victor Lopez Photo Credit: Todd VanSickle

Despite uncertainty surrounding the start of the 2015 season because of repair work planned for the Mondo track at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, BVI track and field athletes turned in stellar performances during the 2015 season.

As BVI athletes put those early season challenges behind, there was an unparalleled run of National Records in the BVI Athletics Association 44-year history, where for 13 consecutive weeks, starting on January 23, 2015, some level of National Youth, Jr. Senior Record was established.

Against that backdrop, a record 27 athletes are vying for the coveted Athlete of the Year awards presented by Sol in Youth, Junior and Senior divisions. The forthcoming event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, at the Moorings. Donation is $50 single and $85 per couple.

Sol will also dole out awards to athletes who have established a National Records that stood at season’s end. In all, there were 15 National Records established during the season.

During the evening, the Most Outstanding Athletes Awards from U9 through the Open Divisions in track events, field events and combined events will be recognized as well as the Most Improved Athlete, and the Comeback Athlete of the Year.

The Coach of the Year will also be named. Awards for Road Racing will also be presented and three early contributors to the development of the organization will receive the BVIAA’s Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Following are the respective nominees in the different divisions.

2015 Athletes of The Year Nominees presented by Sol
2015 Youth Female Athlete of the Year
Beyonce DeFreitas, A’Keela McMaster Alisha Hayde, Ariyah Smith, Asia McMaster

2015 Youth Male Athlete of the Year
Kori Penn, Sean Samuel, Malakai Smith, T’Koy Stevens, M’Kori Crabbe

2015 Jr. Male Athlete of the Year
Kryon McMaster, Akeem Bradshaw, K’Cei Moses, D’Jimon Gumbs

2015 Jr. Female Athlete of the Year
Trevia Gumbs, Tynelle Gumbs, Nelda Huggins, Taylor Hill, Deya Erickson, L’T’sha Fahie

2015 Sr. Male Athlete of the Year
Khari Herbert, Eldred Henry, Shaquoy Stephens

2015 Sr. Female Athlete of the Year
Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Karene King, Ashley Kelly, Chantel Malon

2015 Most Outstanding Track & Field Performance Nominees

2015 Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Male Athlete
Akeem Bradshaw, Kyron McMaster, Khari Herbert

2015 Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Male Athlete
Akeem Bradshaw, Eldred Henry, Dylan Moses, Kevin Vanterpool

2015 Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Female Athlete
Ashley Kelly, Karene King, Taylor Hill, Nelda Huggins

2015 Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Female Athlete
Kala Penn, Tynelle Gumbs, Trevia Gumbs, Arianna Hayde

2015 Most Outstanding Combined Events Male Athlete
Eldred Henry

2015 Most Outstanding Men’s Open Track Athlete
Shaquoy Stephens, Khari Herbert, Tarique Moses

2015 Most Outstanding Women’s Open Track Athlete
Karene King, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Ashley Kelly

2015 Most Outstanding Men’s Open Field Athlete
Keron Stoute, Eldred Henry

2015 Most Outstanding Women’s Open Field Athlete
Chantel Malone

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-20 Track Athlete
Ronique Todman, Kyron McMaster, Akeem Bradshaw

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-20 Track Athlete
Taylor Hill, Nelda Huggins, Lakeisha Warner, Jonel Lacey, Tarika Moses, Deya Erickson

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-20 Field Athlete
Dylan Moses, Akeem Bradshaw, Kevin Vanterpool, Tahj Malone

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-20 Field Athlete
Tynelle Gumbs, Trevia Gumbs, Javlyn Frett

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-18 Track Athlete
Johnt’a Charles, K’Cei Moses, Malique Wattley

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-18 Track Athlete
L’Tsha Fahie, Shaniah Caul, Kala Penn

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-18 Field Athlete
Djimon Gumbs, Diamante Gumbs, Tyrique Bradshaw

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-18 Field Athlete
Kala Penn, Arianna Hayde, Akira Phillips

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-15 Track Athlete
Chaz Fahie, Ajaalee Malone, Malakai Romney

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-15 Track Athlete
Xiomara Malone, Zara Brown, Beyonce DeFreitas, Tashara Edwards

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-15 Field Athlete
J’Quaan Smith, Ajaalee Malone, Kawa Williams

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-15 Field Athlete
Xiomara Malone, Z’Niah Hutchinson, Dominique Moses, Tashara Edwards

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under 13 Field Athlete
Malakai Smith, Kybah Dawson, Sha’el Lavacia

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under 13 Field Athlete
Aryiah Smith, Alisha Hayde, Chassidy George, Kaelyah Liburd

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-13 Track Athlete
Sh’ael Lavacia, Kybah Dawson, Wanyae Bell, Malakai Smith

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-13 Track Athlete
Alisha Hayde, D’Neigh Williams, Ariyah Smith, Shymmera Forbes

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under-11 Track Athlete
T’Koy Stevens, M’Kori Crabbe, Jahari Lacey, Kaleem Lettsome

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under-11 Track Athlete
Jahtivya Williams, Akeela McMaster, A’Deja Hodge, Keanjah Roberts
2
015 Most Outstanding Boys Under 11 Field Athlete
Kaleem Lettsome, T’Khoy Stevens, M’Kori Crabbe

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under 11 Field Athlete
A’Keela McMaster, D’Neah Hodge, Adeajah Hodge

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under 9 Field Athlete
Asia McMaster, Shannia Johnson, Jada John-Lewis

2015 Most Outstanding Girls Under 9 Track Athlete
Shannia Johnson, Asia McMaster, Jada John-Lewis, Jah’Kyla Morton

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Field Athlete
Sean Samuel, Latriel Williams, Kori Penn

2015 Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Track Athlete
Kori Penn, Sean Samuel, Shamoi Dore

Premier Dental Collegiate Athlete of the Year Nominees
Khari Herbert, Trevia Gumbs, Eldred Henry, Tynelle Gumbs

2015 Road Racing Nominees (Unofficial) the 10th BVI Half Marathon will determine the rest of the Nominees.

Road Race Series Male Athlete of the Year
Julius Farley, Reuben Stoby

Road Race Series Female Athlete of the Year
Rosmond Johnson

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VI’s Chantel Malone tops T&T Long Jump Championship

June 30, 2015 by

By VINO

Chantel Malone recorded a leap of 6.51m to easily claim top spot in the Long Jump ahead of Josanne Joseph’s 5.56m second place leap at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Track and Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday June 28, 2015. Photo: Provided

Chantel Malone recorded a leap of 6.51m to easily claim top spot in the Long Jump ahead of Josanne Joseph’s 5.56m second place leap at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Track and Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday June 28, 2015. Photo: Provided

Virgin Islands long jumper, Chantel Malone leaped to victory at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Track and Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday June 28, 2015.

Malone recorded a leap of 6.51m to easily claim top spot in the Long Jump ahead of Josanne Joseph’s 5.56m second place leap.

In the Women’s 100m, Kelly-Ann Baptiste led the way with a 10.84 seconds golden run in Saturday’s final. The clocking also equalled her own Trinidad and Tobago record, whilst Tahesia Harrigan-Scott finished 6th with a time of 11.46 and Taylor Hill, 11th in 11.93 seconds.

The BVI pair had both qualified for the final with runs of 11.52 and 11.92 seconds.

In the 200m ‘B’ final, Karene King and Ashley Kelly grabbed a one, two finish with times of 23.26 and 23.36 seconds respectively.

Kelly also grabbed third in the 400m with a run of 53.76 to finish behind Kineke Alexander’s 52.99 and Jenille Bellelli’s 53.39.

Also on Saturday, Renny Quow clocked 44.90 seconds to establish a new Championship record in the men’s 400m, and Guadeloupe’s Christelle Laurent returned a time of 19 minutes, 00.61 seconds in the women’s 5,000m.

On Friday, Emmanuel Stewart produced a 52.49 metres effort to set a new Championship record in the men’s hammer throw, and Kenyan Kenneth Rotich topped the men’s 10,000m field in 30:48.25.

On Sunday, Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott landed the spear 84.84 metres to win the men’s javelin and break his own Championship record.

The other record-breaker at the three-day meet was Marsha Mark-Baird.

On Saturday and Sunday, the 41-year-old athlete accumulated 4,793 points to strike gold in the women’s heptathlon, erasing Natoya Baird’s 4,679-point Championship record from the books in the process.

Baptiste, Quow, Stewart, Walcott and Mark-Baird are all expected to represent T&T at the July 10-26, 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.

Baptiste, Quow and Walcott achieved qualifying standards on the weekend, while Stewart and Mark-Baird qualified earlier in the season.

On March 21, in North Carolina, USA, Stewart threw 53.41m to better the 53.00m men’s discus standard.
And on May 13 and 14, 2015 in Utah, USA, Mark-Baird totalled 5,105 points in the women’s heptathlon, more than 200 points better than the 4,900 Pan Am standard in the seven-discipline event.

SUNDAY’S FINALS
Men’s 200m (wind: +1.7)
1 Kyle Greaux (Abilene) 20.42. 2 Rondel Sorrillo (La Brea) 20.50, 3 Dan-Neil Telesford (Neon Trackers) 20.53

Women’s 200m (wind: +2.2)
1 Reyare Thomas (Abilene) 22.97, 2 Kamaria Durant (Simplex) 23.15, 3 Magnolia Howell (unattached) 23.64

Women’s 200m “B” race (wind: +1.8)
1 Karene King (British Virgin Islands) 23.26, 2 Ashley Kelly (British Virgin Islands) 23.36, 3 Ngozi Onwumere (Nigeria) 23.78

Women’s 800m
1 Alena Brooks (Memphis) 2:06.71, 2 Myah Hicks (Memphis) 2:07.66, 3 Dawnel Collymore (Memphis) 2:10.76

Men’s 400m hurdles
1 Jehue Gordon (Memphis) 50.06, 2 Emmanuel Mayers (Rebirth) 50.24, 3 Ruebin Walters (Memphis) 51.82

Women’s 400m hurdles
1 Josanne Lucas (Falcons) 56.76 (56.757), 2 Sparkle McKnight (Memphis) 56.76 (56.759)

Men’s high jump
1 Brendan Williams (Dominica) 2.10m, 2 Omari Benoit (Falcons) 1.90m, 3 Rodney Liverpool (Defence Force) 1.90m

Women’s long jump
1 Chantel Malone (British Virgin Islands) 6.51m (wind: +2.4), 2 Josanne Joseph (Concorde) 5.76m (wind: +3.3), 3 Dannielle Davis (unattached) 5.64m (wind: +2.1)

Women’s shot put
1 Cleopatra Borel (Rebirth) 18.46m, 2 Chelsea James (Falcons) 14.54m, 3 Jaleesa Williams (D’Abadie Progressive) 14.48m

Men’s 4x100m
1 Abilene 40.75, 2 Alpha Athletic 41.02, 3 Defence Force 41.91

Men’s 4x400m
1 Memphis Pioneers 3:13.72, 2 Defence Force 3:14.29, 3 Dovers 3:22.78

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BVI ends Carifta Games with two Silvers and a Bronze

April 7, 2015 by

By BVIAA

The BVI’s 4x4 team of Lakeisha "Mimi" Warner, Tarika "Tinker Bell" Moses, Taylor Hill and Jonel Lacey, showing their silver medal. Photo: Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

The BVI’s 4×4 team of Lakeisha “Mimi” Warner, Tarika “Tinker Bell” Moses, Taylor Hill and Jonel Lacey, showing their silver medal. Photo: Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

Anchor leg Jonel Lacey capped off her Carifta Games career in fine fashion on Monday night, to end the 44th edition of the regional premier Jr. Championships at the Kim Collins Stadium in Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis, helping the BVI to snatch the U20 Girls 4x400m Relay silver medal from the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, ending the competition with two silver and one bronze medal.

With Jamaica winning its seventh straight relay of the games, it came down to see who would grab the remaining medals from among the three teams—and who would go home without. The BVI—with its quarter that won the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships Medley Relay together for the first time—they trailed the Bahamas as sprinter Taylor Hill ran a strong leg after getting the stick from Tarika “Tinker Bell” Moses—who wasn’t at her best—and held off the Trinidad and Tobago runner trying to pass at the exchange.

Lacey immediately put the team in third place behind the Bahamas with Trinidad and Tobago challenging. Lacey—who won individual silver in the 400m Intermediate Hurdles on Sunday night—unleashed a ferocious kick over the last 120m, surging past the Bahamas runner and kept the distance for the silver medal ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, finishing in 3:46.43—the territory’s 40 Carifta Games medal in its history.

It was the first time the BVI had fielded an U20 Girls 4x400m Relay since it began participating in the Carifta Games in 1976.

The final day began with Tynelle Gumbs in the U20 Girls Javelin Throw with a heave of 37.90m—the second best mark of her career—during the morning session, to finish sixth overall. She was seventh in the Discus Throw during the evening session with a best effort of 38.86m. Twin sister Trevia finished fifth with a personal best twirl—while cracking the 40m mark for the first time in her career—with a heave of 40.18m. She beat Tynelle for the second consecutive time, increasing her best from 38.74 in her last meet in Arizona.

The afternoon didn’t start off well for the BVI as U20 Girls 100m Hurdler, Deya Erickson, who was in medal contention and clipped the fifth hurdle, lost her balance, stumbled into the next hurdle and disappointingly, did not finish the race.

Moses, a 2013 U17 Girls 400m silver medalist, ran a strong race her first 800m at a championships level, but finished fourth in 2:14.80 in her outdoor debut in the event, after running 2:12.46 indoors.

Beyonce DeFreitas —the only 14-year old to make the U18 Girls 200m final— ran a personal best of 24.50 seconds to place fifth, with a +1.5 meters per second tailwind, running from Lane 7. She lowered her best from 24.79 in the prelims. Only eight other BVI athletes have run faster.

In the U20 Girls 200m, running from the inside lane, Nelda Huggins had a sixth place finish in a wind aided 23.92 seconds aided by a +4.3 tailwind. U.S. Virgin Islands’ Tashira McIntosh was eighth in 24.17.

Triple Jumper Akeem Bradshaw, competing in the U20 Boys division, finished eight after getting a best measurement of 14.18m.

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Team BVI hails Nanjing 2014 as an experience of a lifetime

September 9, 2014 by

IMG-20140829-WA0002On August 28th, 2014, the 2nd Youth Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony in Nanjing, China. With the games now finished, teams of the World have returned home including team BVI. For all participants, it was clearly not just another Games but a truly cultural, educational and competitive event, carefully designed to enrich the experiences of the athletes beyond the playing field.

Team BVI collectively summed up Nanjing 2014 as “definitely an experience of a lifetime.” Chef de Mission, Stephanie Russ Penn also noted that Nanjing, China did a tremendous job at creating and hosting these Games.

Highlights

BVI Wins Gold as part of the inaugural mixed team relay
Competing in three sports swimming, sailing and athletics one of the most significant highlights for the BVI was the Olympic gold medal attained by Lakeisha “Mimi” Warner in the inaugural 8 x 100m Mixed Team Relay.

10614106_699614146786190_4970112474612636410_n(1)Warner, a member of Team #34, joined with nine other athletes from Romania, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Australia, Comoros, Germany and Thailand (2 being reserves) and contested the 4 male, 4 female relay winning in a time of 1 minute 40.20 seconds. The team comprised of a mixture of sprinters, throwers, jumpers and distance athletes.

Triple Jumper Akeem Bradshaw, hurdlers Deya Erickson and Kyron McMaster, long Jumper, Kala Penn, and sprinter, Nelda Huggins were also each a member of one of the 66 total relay teams that participated in the event.

Athletics
In a format unique to the Youth Olympic Game, each track and field athlete had the opportunity to compete in a final regardless of placement in the preliminary round of competition. Initial performances determined each athlete’s designated final with the A final comprising of the top preliminary finishers and the medal contenders.

Huggins, 17, the only A finalist, lacked her usual race drive and had a sixth place finish overall running 11.87 seconds. She ran 11.81 to win her prior heat. While she had hoped to medal, her performance nonetheless is a tremendous accomplishment.

Warner, 16, won the C 800m final in 2 minutes 16.71 seconds. She was sixth in her 800m heat finishing in 2:18.67 seconds.

Penn, 16, had a best leap of 5.22 metres in the Long Jump to advance to the B final finishing 6th and ranked 14th overall.

Erickson, 17, ran the 100m Hurdles in 14.76 seconds but was withdrawn from the C final as an injury prevention measure.

Bradshaw, 17, placed fifth in the B Triple Jump final with a leap of 13.90m and ranked 13th overall. His opening jump of 14.33m in the preliminary round was his best jump of the Games.

McMaster, 17, in just the sixth 400m Intermediate Hurdles race of his career after running a tremendous 250m unfortunately push down the seventh hurdle, subsequently being disqualified. To add to the disappointment in his second chance of a mark in the B final, he was charged with a false start.

Team Official and Athletics Coach Ralston Henry congratulated his athletes for their collective efforts and encourages them to be confident and work harder to reach their true potentials in the sport.

Sailing
There were numerous days of cancellations due to insufficient wind and an extra competition day at the latter point of the sailing competition. BVI sailor and opening ceremony flag bearer, Sam Morrell, 15, competing in the Byte CII Dinghy regatta however, managed to place 13th in the final race and climb 3 spots to rank 22nd overall in the fleet. He scored a total of 125 points and was able to finish in the top 15 three times (12th, 13th and 14th) during his eight total races. Both Sam and his coach, Chris Watters were pleased at the strong ending to his competition.

Swimming
Swimmer, Amarah Phillip, 16, had the opportunity to compete in two events unlike her teammates. She placed sixth in her 50m Butterfly heat in 31.05 seconds and seventh in the 50m Free Style in 29.28, but did not advance to the semis in either event. She was privileged to be the closing ceremony flag bear of the BVI delegation.

Proud mother and coach while at the Games, Tracy Bradshaw was satisfied with the performances and elated to share in the Games with both daughters Amarah and Elinah, the BVI’s top swimmers.

10624778_700421073372164_1325521819460656315_nCultural and Educational Programme (CEP) Activities
In addition to competing, Team BVI took full advantage of the numerous cultural and educational activities provided throughout and outside of the Youth Olympic Village (YOV).

Activities ranged from daily interaction and Yogging amongst the numerous country booths in the World Culture Village set within the YOV; the learn and share booths that focused on WADA outreach, career programmes, fair play, injury prevention; the “Pump it Up” performances highlighting various types of Chinese performing arts, and in particular the BVI booth created by the Xiongzhou Junior High School.

Team BVI had the opportunity to exchange gifts with members of the junior high who presented unique rain flower stones to the BVI delegation.

Additionally, on Wednesday, August 27, Deya Erickson, and official, Ralston Henry interacted with Thomas Bach, International Olympic President as participants of the IOC Youth Session, while the previous day team BVI bonded with each other as well as athletes from other countries on the Nanjing Adventure and Treasure Activity.

Even though the Games have ended, the experience will live on in Team BVI who are appreciative to have “Shared the Games and Shared the Dreams” of the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Nanjing News, Sailing, Swimming Tagged With: , , , , , ,