The V.I. Track and Field Federation (VITFF) announced that Mikaela Smith, who attends the Austin Peay State University, won the silver medal in the 4×400-meter relay at the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships this past weekend, May 13-15. Smith also placed 4th in the finals of the 800-meter run.
The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Championships occur each year with the best under-17 and under-20 male and female athletes from the Caribbean. It is considered the top junior competition in the world. The likes of Usain Bolt and others have used the Caribbean Free Trade Association championship as a stepping stone to the world scene. Unfortunately, last year the Caribbean Free Trade Association Championships that were to be hosted by Bermuda were postponed due to COVID-19.
The CARIFTA championships were changed from Easter weekend to August. Regretfully, a cancellation notice was sent out by the North American Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) organization last week. The athletes who had already qualified thus far were Michelle Smith and Osaze Williams. Smith has qualifying marks in the 400-meter, 400m hurdles, 800m and the 1500m. Williams qualified in the 800m.
On Friday, May 14, Michelle Smith of St. Croix Track Club set a Virgin Island youth record in the 400-meters by completing the event in 57.82 seconds. Smith also won the 200-meter hurdles.
Another outstanding athlete was Akyra Joseph of St. Croix Track Club who won the girls’ under-15 long jump, 400-meters and 200m hurdles.
The multiple event winners were Josh Tewinkle of St. Croix Track Club who won the long jump and the 200m in the under-15 boys’ division. In the under 13 girls’ division, Jeniqua Weekes, also of St. Croix Track Club, won the long jump and the 400-meter.
In the male under-20 division, Michael Dizon-Bumann of Jolly Rogers Track Club won the 200m hurdles, javelin throw and the 400-meter. (Full results of the 4th Developmental Meet are below.)
The V.I. Track and Field Federation thanks all the volunteers who work to make local track and field meets possible. VITFF encourages all its athletes, volunteers and coaches to make sure to register in order to attend the upcoming meet events.
The next meet is the Virgin Islands National Championships, which is scheduled for 8 a.m., June 5, at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track and Field facility. To register, follow this link: http://virginislandspace.org/vitff.html
