Michelle Smith Sets New Records at Florida Track Meet, Leading VI Athletes to Success

In an outstanding display of athleticism and determination, Michelle Smith, a distinguished senior from Montverde Academy and an esteemed sports representative of the Virgin Islands, secured a triumphant victory at the Florida High School Challenge Indoor Track and Field meet held in Gainesville, Florida, on February 3, 2024.

Smith’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as she dominated the 60m Hurdles, setting a new Virgin Islands National U20 and Montverde Academy record with a blistering time of 8.65 seconds. Her prowess continued on the track as she shattered another VI National U20 record in the 400m, securing third place with a time of 54.15 seconds. This remarkable feat positions her as the 8th fastest U.S. high school athlete in the category, as recognized by the Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation.

Previously, at the Legends of Alachua County Meet in Gainesville, Florida, Smith had already showcased her growing skill set. On January 27 and 28, she set a personal best in the 200m at 24.48 seconds, clinched the 60m hurdles, and earned a second-place finish in the 400m. Her next challenge will be at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York, scheduled for February 10 and 11, 2024.

Virgin Islands Athletes Excel on National Stage

Smith’s achievements are part of a broader trend of exceptional performances by Virgin Islands athletes in the indoor track and field season.

• Malique Smith kicked off his season with a bang at the Celebration Pointe Indoor Classic in Gainesville, FL, leading his heat in the 200m and capturing second in the 400m.
• Rachel Conhoff, an Indiana State University graduate student, emerged victorious in the mile at the Blue-White Classic in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a time of 5:08.02. She looks forward to competing at the Marian Indoor Invitational in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 9, 2024.
• Nicola Peters, demonstrating her skills at the AHSAA State Indoor Meet in Birmingham, Alabama, finished 6th in the 60m and contributed to her team’s 7th place in the 4x200m relay.
• Sofia Swindell made her mark at the UC High School Invitational in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, with a 3rd place in the 55m and a team second in the 4x200m relay, achieving New Jersey’s 11th fastest time. She is set to compete in the Garden State Invitational in Staten Island, New York, on February 16, 2024.
• Osaze DeMund Williams set a personal record at the New Mexico Team Open 2024 in Albuquerque, finishing 8th in the 800m. He will participate in the Don Kirby Invitational on February 9 and 10, 2024.
• Brandon Pemberton showcased his talent at the Washburn Rust Buster in Topeka, Kansas, securing 3rd in the 60m and 2nd in the 200m. He anticipates competing in the Tyson Invitational on February 10, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Local Meets Highlight Virgin Islands’ Emerging Talent

The local track and field scene continues to thrive, with the 2nd SCIAA Track and Field Meet highlighting upcoming stars from middle school to varsity levels. Held at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track facility, the event showcased talents like Faith Eatmon, Juvante Hurst, Sarah Raglin, Jarl Oversen, Naomi Crawford, and Nasir Saldana.

Additionally, the 2nd Champion Track Club developmental meet in St. Thomas unveiled promising athletes in the U17 and U20 categories, including Chaya George, Micah Dominique, and Christol Braithwaite, further proving the depth of talent within the Virgin Islands’ athletic community.