In a weekend filled with electrifying performances, athletes from the British Virgin Islands showcased their respective talents at various track meets across the United States and in Jamaica.
Among the standout performances was Kimberly Smith who represented Eastern Washington at the Sam Adams Track Meet. Smith won the long jump event, recording an impressive distance of 6.27 meters, outclassing a field of 11 competitors.
Meanwhile, sprinter Beyonce Defreitas made her mark at the 18th Annual Carolina Spring Break Classic, where she blazed her way to victory in the Women’s 200 meters. Defreitas clocked an impressive time of 24.07 seconds, leaving 25 competitors trailing in her wake.
Not to be outdone, Rikkoi Brathwaite, the 100-meter National Record Holder, kicked off his 2024 outdoor season in style at the same event. Brathwaite showcased his lightning speed, crossing the finish line in 10.19 seconds to clinch victory in the Men’s 100 meters.
The success continued at the Louisiana Classic, where Diamante Gumbs, representing Northwestern State, displayed his strength in the throwing events. Gumbs secured a third-place finish in the Hammer Throw, setting a new personal best and breaking his previous BVI National Record with a toss of 56.50 meters. He also dominated the Discus Throw, claiming first place with a throw of 56.30 meters, setting both a personal best and a new stadium record.
The achievements continued to pile up as Jaleel Croal, representing the University of South Florida at the USF Alumni Invitational, delivered a stellar performance. Croal set a new personal best in the 100 meters with a time of 10.22 seconds, securing a third-place finish among a competitive field. He also played a pivotal role in his team’s victory in the 4×100 meters relay, setting a new school record.
The list of outstanding performances continued with athletes like Khamauri Crabbe, Malik John, and M’Khori Crabbe from St. Thomas University, who secured impressive times in the 400 meters, earning qualifying standards for the upcoming NAIA Championships.
Across the region, at the Velocity Fest 14, quarter-miler Akrisa Eristee, representing the University of Technology, Jamaica, showcased her speed and endurance. Despite competing the previous day, Eristee sprinted to a second-place finish in the 400 meters with a time of 54.86 seconds.