Adaejah Hodge has etched her name in history, becoming the first athlete from the British Virgin Islands to medal in two finals at the same World Athletics Championships competition.
Hodge achieved this remarkable feat by claiming gold in the women’s 200-meter final on Friday, following her silver medal performance in the 100-meter final earlier in the week.
Competing at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships, Hodge stormed to victory in the 200-meter final, clocking a time of 22.74 seconds to secure her first World Championships gold medal. Australia’s Torrie Lewis finished closely behind in second place with a personal best of 22.88 seconds, while Jamaica’s Shanoya Mikalia Douglas took the bronze in 23.10 seconds.
Hodge’s path to the 200-meter final was paved with a strong performance in the semifinals, where she won Heat 3 with a time of 23.18 seconds. This earned her the second-fastest qualifying time for the final, just behind Lewis, who posted a time of 23.14 seconds.
Earlier in the week, Hodge made history by becoming the first BVI athlete to qualify for two sprint finals in the same World Championships. She competed in the 100-meter final on Wednesday, where she earned a silver medal with a time of 11.27 seconds. The race was won by Jamaica’s Alana Reid, who took gold with a time of 11.17 seconds, while Barbados’ Kishawna Niles claimed bronze in 11.37 seconds.
Hodge’s journey to the 100-meter final showcased her consistency and determination, with a second-place finish in her semifinal heat and a win in her preliminary round. Her performances throughout the championships have solidified her status as one of the brightest young talents in athletics.
With a gold and silver medal now to her name, Adaejah Hodge has not only made history for the British Virgin Islands but has also set a new standard for future athletes from the territory.