Sports
VI athletes Adaejah Hodge, Michelle Smith shine at Millrose Games in New York
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
British Virgin Islands track star Adaejah Hodge placed second in the girls 60-metres and US Virgin Islands athlete Michelle Smith produced a record-breaking performance in the girls 600m at the Millrose Games in New York on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Hodge, a multiple gold medallist at the 2022 Carifta Games, clocked 7.29 seconds to take the runner-up spot representing Monteverde Academy in Florida.
Her Monteverde teammate, Micayah Holland, won the event in 7.24 seconds. Notably, Hodge has produced times of 7.24, 7.26, and 7.29 at meets earlier this year.
Finishing third on Saturday was Avery Lewis of Wynewood-PA, who clocked 7.33. The other finishers were Elise Cooper, Owings Mills-MD, fourth in 7.51; Catalina Sanchious, Lorton-VA, fifth in 7.52; Jade Ofotan, Potomac-MD, sixth in 7.61; and Kiera Davis, Queens-NY, seventh in 7.76.
Meanwhile, Smith, representing Montverde Academy, placed first in the 600m with a time of 1:29.52, a new Virgin Islands national indoor record as well as a Montverde record. (story continues below photo)

The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation said shortly after the event that her time “moved her up to the #1 position for under 18 athletes in the world” and “made her the 9th fastest High School girl at that distance in history”.
Local News
Five Coaches Earn Concacaf C Licenses as BVIFA Expands Youth Development Efforts
Five coaches were awarded their Concacaf C License certifications, the British Virgin Islands Football Association announced this week, marking a new step in the Territory’s push to strengthen youth football development. The certificates were presented by BVIFA Technical Director Paul Decle, who addressed the group alongside representatives of the association.
Decle, speaking at the brief presentation ceremony, underscored the responsibility that accompanies the new qualification. “Your role now is to develop the future of football,” he said. “The mandate from the BVIFA to the new C License coaches is to put in the work and develop the youth — on and off the field.”
The Concacaf C License Course is designed to improve coaching standards across the region by focusing on player development, session planning, and youth-centered instruction. Completion of the program allows coaches to work more extensively within national grassroots and youth football structures.
BVIFA officials described the accomplishment as part of the association’s wider effort to strengthen coaching capacity, improve technical standards, and expand youth outreach programs across the islands.
The newly licensed coaches are expected to support BVIFA training initiatives, youth academies, and upcoming development programs scheduled throughout the 2024–25 calendar.
Local News
BVI Rugby Set to Open RAN Sevens Campaign in Trinidad
The British Virgin Islands men’s rugby sevens team will begin its Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens campaign today, Nov. 21 in Arima, Trinidad, with scheduled matches against St. Lucia at 10:28 a.m. and Turks and Caicos at 2:28 p.m. at Larry Gomes Stadium. The tournament runs Nov. 20–22 and will feature national teams from across the region.
The BVI squad is preparing for a demanding three-day slate that continues on Nov. 22 with games against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Curaçao, followed by a matchup with the Bahamas on Nov. 23. Results from the tournament will contribute to regional rankings and, in some cases, influence qualification pathways for future international events.
Team officials released the full roster ahead of travel to Trinidad. The delegation includes Jayden Williams, Josiah Means, Jonathan McAauley, Gethin Jones, Bradrick Evans, Stuart Fee, Rossa Canavan, Roan Thornton, Denvin Jones, D’von Jones, Thomas Wilson, Roequan Hemerding, Robert Lind and Thomas Chapman. Coach James Morris and manager Mark Jones will oversee preparations.
Tournament organizers say RAN Sevens remains the primary development platform for rugby sevens in the Caribbean and North America, offering emerging unions consistent exposure to international-standard play. The BVI team is expected to complete final training sessions before taking the field Friday morning.
Further updates will follow once competition gets underway.


Local News
Bascombe Wins Bronze at Masters Championships in Mexico City
Courtney Bascombe earned a bronze medal in the men’s 100 metres at the North, Central American and Caribbean Masters Athletics Championships in Mexico City after a strong showing in both rounds of competition.
Bascombe advanced to the final after winning his preliminary heat on Friday with a time of 11.43 seconds. He improved in the medal round on Saturday, clocking 11.35 seconds to finish third overall.
The regional Masters Championships bring together veteran athletes from across the Americas and the Caribbean, competing in track and field disciplines across multiple age categories. The event is sanctioned by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) and recognises athletes over 35 years of age.












