Sports
UPDATE: Adaejah Hodge smashes 200m under-20 world record
* Hodge in the final moments of the 200m on Sunday at New Balance Nationals. * Photo Credit: Shawn Conlon/MileSplit
Adaejah Hodge’s 200 meter performance on Sunday was like a 10 on the Richter scale.
Her own coach, wearing a level of shock not seen often in these settings, buried his hands into his face.
“I don’t know when we’re going to see athletes like this ever again,” Gerald Phiri said. “I think it’s going to be a very long time.”
And he might be right. Hodge, the high school junior from Montverde Academy — just 16 years old, her 17th birthday arriving in 10 days — didn’t just break the high school national record in the 200m on Sunday at New Balance Nationals Indoor, but she took a wrecking ball and bulldozed it down, achieving a new world U18 and world U20 standard with her time of 22.33 seconds.
Consider this: Bianca Knight, an Olympic gold medalist in the 4×100, broke the World U20 record in 2008, when she was a college freshman at the University of Texas.
Before the 200m high school national record was broken and broken again this indoor season, she held the previous national standing for 16 years, having ran 22.97 in 2007.
Then Hodge re-set the national record in the 200m prelims with a time of 22.77. It previously stood at 22.89.
“These types of athletes don’t come around often,” Phiri said. “She’s a junior in high school.”
Hodge’s moment in the sun on Sunday was, in simple terms, like seeing a solar eclipse, which is to say extremely rare and maybe career-defining …though maybe not.
“This is just the beginning,” she said.
Hodge, who a year ago competed for the British Virgin Islands at the CARIFTA Games and picked up wins in the 100m, 200m and long jump, had run 23.39 prior to this weekend.
She posted a time of 22.77 in the prelims, which broke the high school national record of 22.89, which was set in February by Mia Brahe-Pedersen (also a junior).
High school girls simply have not run under 23 seconds all that often indoors.
The fact that Hodge has now set the barrier at 22.33? That mark may be nearly impossible to break in the future.
“I just came off the curve and just let everything on the track,” she said.
— By Cory Mull
Ephraim Penn has been re-elected as President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), continuing his leadership for another four-year term. Joining him are returning officers Ms. Sabinah Clement as 1st Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Black as Secretary General, and Mr. Mark Chapman as Treasurer. The election, held during the BVIOC’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2024, also saw the addition of Ms. Ashley Kelly as 2nd Vice President and Mr. Zebalon McLean as Member At Large.
The meeting, held at the BVIOC headquarters at Road Reef Plaza, brought together representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission to reflect on the organization’s achievements, plan for the next quadrennial, and recognize outgoing officers. Former 2nd Vice President Mr. Ralston Henry and Member At Large Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie were honored for their contributions to the BVIOC’s development.
The elections were overseen by an independent commission comprising Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“Our guiding principles align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education, empower individuals to excel, and foster collaboration through impactful partnerships,” said President Penn. “We are committed to working with all National Federations and encourage open dialogue to achieve success across all sports in the coming years.”
Penn extended gratitude to the Election Commission for its oversight and to the participating National Federations for their engagement in shaping the BVIOC’s future.
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.
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