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
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.”
The election took place on Friday, 18 October, during the ANOCES General Assembly at the luxurious Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Penn’s years of dedicated service to the Olympic movement, coupled with his strong leadership vision, played a significant role in his election.
Penn’s appointment heralds a renewed emphasis on regional collaboration within the Olympic framework. Upon accepting the role, he shared his aspirations for the organisation:
“I am honoured to serve as President of ANOCES, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Eastern Caribbean to advance sports development, support our athletes, and further promote the Olympic ideals,” Penn remarked. “Together, we will build a stronger and more unified sports community in the region.”
Under Penn’s leadership, the British Virgin Islands has seen transformative growth in both grassroots and elite sports, particularly in track and field, where the region has consistently outperformed on the international stage.
Penn will be joined by a team of experienced sports administrators. Dominica’s Billy Doctrove, a prominent figure in Caribbean sports and President of the Dominica NOC, has been elected Vice President of ANOCES. Additional key appointments include:
- Keith Joseph (St Vincent and the Grenadines) – General Secretary
- Glenville Jeffers (St Kitts and Nevis) – Treasurer
- Cliff Williams (Antigua and Barbuda) – Committee Member
With this experienced leadership, ANOCES is poised to continue strengthening the Olympic movement and supporting athletes across the Eastern Caribbean.
The ANOCES team has a packed agenda, with their next meeting scheduled in Panama City, Panama, from 12 to 14 November 2024. This gathering will coincide with the Centennial Celebration of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO).
The summit in Panama City will offer ANOCES members a platform to discuss strategic priorities for the future. “This is a pivotal time for our region as we chart a path toward greater inclusivity and innovation in sports development,” said Billy Doctrove, the newly elected Vice President.
Sports administrators across the region have expressed optimism about the new leadership. “Ephraim Penn has consistently shown a remarkable ability to unite people and achieve ambitious goals,” commented Keith Joseph, General Secretary of ANOCES. “His vision and commitment will be crucial as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
-
Crime/Police1 week agoTwo Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Local News1 week agoTola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoK’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News2 weeks agoVirgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Local News3 days agoVirgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoTortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Crime/Police2 days agoTeen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
-
Local News1 week agoBVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal