BVI national record holder in the men’s 100-meters, Rikkoi Brathwaite, has officially qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
This milestone achievement was confirmed following the publication of the World Athletics Rankings, which placed Brathwaite 35th, well within the maximum 56 entries required for the men’s 100-meter event.
The World Athletics Rankings system evaluates athletes based on their performances in a single discipline, combining result scores and placing scores from various competitions. This comprehensive ranking system ultimately positioned Brathwaite among the top contenders for the Olympic event.
Following the announcement, Brathwaite shared his excitement on social media.
“Official lists are out!! God is too good!! I AM AN OLYMPIAAAANN!!!!!” he exclaimed. He added, “Dreams come true when you stay true,” expressing his gratitude and joy at achieving this milestone.
Brathwaite also took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him along his journey.
“Along the way there are so many persons who invested in your dreams and so many that want to see you reach the top. I’m so thankful for all these persons,” he stated.
He extended special thanks to the Government of the Virgin Islands for their contributions, highlighting the efforts of the Minister of Sports Honorable Sharie DeCastro and the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA).
“Things have been rocky throughout the years, but with Honorable Sharie DeCastro working diligently with the BVIAA to understand us athletes and what we need, stepping up and giving us proper funding to give us a fighting chance was a necessity that made a world of difference. Once again, humbly, thank you,” Brathwaite explained.
Brathwaite now joins an elite group of athletes representing the British Virgin Islands at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games including Olympian and World Championships Silver Medallist Kyron McMaster and Laser Sailor Thad Lettsome.