Sports
Athletics: BVI’s Adaejah Hodge continues fine form indoors
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
British Virgin Islands Carifta Games multiple gold medallist Adaejah Hodge continues her impressive form on the USA high school track and field indoor circuit.
Hodge, representing Monteverde Academy, established a new facility youth record when winning the 200m and placing second in the 60m at the Florida/Georgia Challenge (high school and youth meet) held over two days (Feb.4-5) at the Alachua County Sports & Event Center in Gainesville, Florida, the BVI Athletics Association has revealed on its official Facebook page.
The first event she contested was the 60m where she placed first in her heat, recording the fasted overall time, 7.32 seconds, in the preliminaries.
In the final, she blazed to a fast 7.26 to finish second behind teammate Micayah Holland, who won in 7.23.
Kenadie Singleton of Intensity Athletics placed third in 7.49.
Hodge, however, was victorious in the 200m with a time of 23.39 seconds after a 23.58 performance in the preliminaries, which was the fastest time in that round.
In the final of the same event, Hodge finished ahead of Aleesa Samuels, who ran unattached, and placed second in 24.54 seconds, and Liana Tyson, who placed third in 25.28, representing EOTO Elite.
Earlier in the season she recorded top performances in events, ranging in events from the 55m to the 400m, as well as the long jump.
Her time of 54.95 seconds in the 400m, in late January, at an Alachua County Track Meet was not only a facility youth record but also a BVI Carifta qualification standard, according to the BVI Athletics Association.
She also ran a personal best of 7.24 in the 60ms at the Virginia Beach Showcase at Virginia Beach.
At the 2022 Carifta Games held in Jamaica, Hodge won the Austin Sealy Award for Most Outstanding Athlete after winning gold in the under-17 girls 100m, 200m, and long jump for the British Virgin Islands.
British Virgin Islands Olympian Kyron McMaster added another illustrious accolade to his name as he was officially bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on Thursday, November 28, by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
McMaster, who is currently ranked fourth globally in the 400m hurdles, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It feels good to be recognised by the British Empire for my due diligence in sports and the British Virgin Islands,” he said in a brief interview following the ceremony. “I don’t take this [honour] lightly.”
Looking ahead, the decorated athlete expressed ambitions for even greater milestones, hinting at a potential future as “Sir Kyron McMaster.”
The OBE title is one of the highest honours conferred by the British monarchy, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in fields such as military service, community development, and professional excellence. McMaster’s recognition underscores not only his athletic achievements but also his role as a symbol of pride for the British Virgin Islands.
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
After an eight-year hiatus, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Swimming Federation returned to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships with a six-member team at the 32nd annual event held from November 8–10 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Center in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. This marked BVI’s first appearance since 2016, following setbacks from Hurricane Irma in 2017 that impacted athletic infrastructure and development programs.
Representing the BVI were Jai Potter (15-17), Kyla Potter (11-12), Arun Bissoondutt (9-10), Naya Bissoondutt (8 & Under), Skyler Steer (8 & Under), and William Vergel (8 & Under). Under the guidance of Coach Elsworth Phillip, the young athletes held their own against teams from 11 other territories including reigning champions Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and host nation St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
A standout performance was delivered by Kyla Potter, who claimed a silver medal in the 11-12 Girls 50m Butterfly with a time of 32.16, just 0.5 seconds shy of the gold. This impressive finish highlighted her potential among the region’s top young swimmers. Additionally, Kyla placed 4th in the 100m Butterfly, 6th in the 50m Breaststroke, and achieved competitive rankings across other events.
run Bissoondutt earned 9th place finishes in the 9-10 Boys 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, while Skyler Steer placed in the top 10 in multiple events for the 8 & Under Girls, including an 8th place finish in the 25m Backstroke. William Vergel, competing in the 8 & Under Boys, placed 10th in the 25m Freestyle. Additionally, the team’s 10 & Under mixed 200m Freestyle relay, featuring Arun, Naya, Skyler, and William, secured a respectable 5th place.
At the conclusion of the championships, Antigua and Barbuda claimed their third consecutive OECS title with 1,419 points, followed by Grenada with 1,301.5 points and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 1,102 points. The BVI finished in 7th place overall, earning 37 points, and celebrated this opportunity to renew its presence in regional swimming after years of rebuilding efforts.
Coach Phillip praised the athletes for their dedication, stating, “Our swimmers have demonstrated commendable focus and resilience. Kyla’s silver medal is a significant achievement and reflects the promising direction of our program.”
One Arrested, Three Suspects at Large Following Attempted Home Invasion in Cocodella
Gunfire Fired in McNamara
South African Captain Charged With Manslaughter After Marine Accident Claims Life
-
Local News7 days agoOne Dead in East End Crash as Vehicle Swerves to Avoid Pedestrian
-
Local News2 weeks agoVirgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Crime/Police4 days agoSouth African Captain Charged With Manslaughter After Marine Accident Claims Life
-
Education2 weeks agoSeven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoTeen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
-
Crime/Police19 hours agoGunfire Fired in McNamara
-
Crime/Police16 hours ago
One Arrested, Three Suspects at Large Following Attempted Home Invasion in Cocodella
-
Local News2 weeks agoAnimal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society