The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation is proud to announce the participation of ten emerging athletes at the 2026 NACAC U18 & U23 Championships, taking place in Tlaxcala, Mexico from July 10–12.
This year’s delegation reflects both the growing depth of youth athletics in the territory and the federation’s commitment to long‑term athlete development.
Although the team is young, the Virgin Islands has a strong history at this championship level, having earned a total of eight medals across previous editions. With that legacy in mind, the federation enters the meet confident that this year’s athletes will compete with determination, represent the territory with pride, and gain invaluable international experience that will elevate their future performances.
As the Virgin Islands looks toward the NACAC U18 and U23 Championships, the emphasis is clear: experience, growth, and progression. The federation views this meet as a critical stepping stone for young athletes transitioning into higher levels of competition.
“Our emphasis is to give this young team some invaluable experience which they can utilize to enhance their future athletics performance. If our athletes reach finals, contend for medals, or break personal and national records, we will be satisfied,” said the federation.
The Virgin Islands has produced standout performances at past NACAC U18 & U23 Championships, earning eight medals across multiple editions:
- 2012
- Allison Peters — Silver, 200m U23
- Leslie Murray — Bronze, 400m Hurdles U23
- 2021
- Mikaela Smith — Silver, 800m U23
- 2023
- Michelle Smith — Gold, 400m Hurdles U18 (Championship Record)
- Michelle Smith — Gold, 800m U18 (Championship Record)
- Michelle Smith — Silver, 100m Hurdles U18
- Sofia Swindell — Bronze, 100m Hurdles U18
- Mikaela Smith — Bronze, 800m U23
This history underscores the territory’s ability to produce elite youth athletes capable of excelling on the regional stage. The 2026 team now carries that tradition forward.
The U18 squad features a dynamic mix of sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers, and relay specialists. Their event distribution gives the Virgin Islands representation across multiple disciplines and strong relay potential.
Faith Eatmon
- 400m Hurdles
- 4×100m Girls Relay
- 4×400m Mixed Relay
Charlise Morris
- 100m
- Long Jump
- 4×100m Girls Relay
- 4×100m Mixed Relay
Safiya Prasad
- 400m Hurdles
- 800m
Joeltica Rogers
- 100m
- 200m
- 4×100m Girls Relay
- 4×100m Mixed Relay
Taliah Buckney‑Small
- 200m
- 400m
- 4×100m Girls Relay
- 4×400m Mixed Relay
Juvante Hurst
- 100m
- 4×100m Mixed Relay
- 4×400m Mixed Relay
Kennedy Coggins
- 200m
- 400m
- 4×400m Mixed Relay
Micah Dominique
- 200m
- 400m
- 4×100m Mixed Relay
The U23 delegation features two athletes specializing in the short sprints, both aiming to advance through rounds and challenge for finals.
Nicola Peters
- 100m
- 200m
Yahraya Doctrine
- 100m
- 200m
The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation enters the NACAC U18 and U23 Championships with realistic expectations and strong optimism. The primary goal is athlete development—exposing young competitors to international standards, championship pressure, and the experience needed to progress toward regional and global success.
The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation extends its best wishes to all athletes competing in Tlaxcala and looks forward to celebrating their performances and continued development.
