BVI Sprinter Jaleel Croal Shines Bright at American Conference Championships

Jaleel Croal representing South Florida University etched his name in the annals of track and field history when he was named the American Conference Most Valuable Performer on February 24.

“I didn’t really have anything in mind, it was just to go out and score points in both events to be honest,” Croal humbly shared when asked about his mindset going into the races.

Croal’s victory marks him as the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a Conference crown since 1979, a fact he acknowledges with pride. “Knowing that history of being the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a conference crown since 1979 is pretty cool,” he remarked.

With victories in both the 60m and 200m events, his success not only brings personal glory but also contributes to the broader legacy of BVI athletes, who have now accumulated an impressive total of 39 titles across 16 distinct Conferences. Reflecting on this, Croal admitted,

“To be honest, I didn’t know I would have gotten it all. I was minding my business while they announced the award winners, and all I heard was Bulls – not my name. Then my teammates were looking at me and cheering, so I was in disbelief. But the feeling hasn’t kicked in yet.”

Despite the challenges of a tight schedule between events, with only a 25-minute break separating the 60m and 200m finals, Croal remained unfazed. “There were no obstacles or challenges I had to overcome during the race,” he stated, acknowledging the support of his team and the belief they had in his abilities.

When asked about his training regimen and plans for the future, Croal emphasised his commitment to consistency and improvement. “I plan to honestly continue what I’ve been doing in practice and carry over everything from indoor to outdoor and just be better,” he said.

Throughout his journey, Croal found inspiration in witnessing his teammates’ successes, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and support in achieving individual goals. “My teammates and my support staff just believed in me to get the job done, and that’s all I needed,” he acknowledged.

Looking ahead, Croal remains focused on his ultimate goal: “My goal is to become a successful athlete in the world of track and field. That’s what I want for my athletic career.”

As Jaleel Croal continues to blaze a trail of excellence on the track, he hopes to inspire aspiring athletes, both in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.