Virgin Islands archer Winnette Lawrence has concluded her historic debut at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, competing in the Women’s Individual Compound (50m) event.

Lawrence advanced from the Qualification Round on July 24 after finishing 29th overall to earn a place in the elimination rounds. Her campaign came to an end in the Round of 32, where she was defeated 156-117 by Mariana Rodriguez, the world No. 4 ranked compound archer.

Reflecting on her performance, Lawrence said the challenging conditions and equipment issues impacted her competition.

“Going into the competition, I felt quite faint-hearted in the extreme heat, but I stood and did the best that I could do. I got through to the Elimination Round but scored low points as I realised that my bow was damaged and my sights were off, and I was never on the target until I corrected it.”

Despite the result, Lawrence described representing the Virgin Islands on one of the region’s biggest sporting stages as a memorable experience and thanked the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) and the Virgin Islands Archery Association for their support.

“I want to thank the BVIOC and the Virgin Islands Archery Association for affording me the opportunity to compete and to serve as the Virgin Islands’ flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. It was an auspicious occasion that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Lawrence earned her place at the Santo Domingo 2026 Games by qualifying during Stage 1 of the San Salvador 2026 Grand Prix of the Americas, a World Ranking Event.

Her participation also marked an important milestone for the Territory, as this centennial edition of the CAC Games is only the second time the Virgin Islands has been represented in the sport of archery.

The BVIOC congratulates Lawrence on her pioneering performance and for proudly representing the Virgin Islands throughout the Games.