Michelle Smith Shatters Records and Leads Global Rankings in 400m Hurdles

The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation proudly announced a monumental achievement by the territory’s esteemed sports ambassador, Michelle Smith, during the prestigious Louie Bing Invitational in Miami, Florida, on February 16-17.

Demonstrating unparalleled skill and determination, Montverde Academy’s senior standout, Michelle Smith, dominated the semi-finals in both the 100m and 400m hurdles, claiming the top spot and advancing confidently to the finals.

In a spectacular display of athleticism, Smith shattered the meet record in the 400m hurdles semi-final, clocking an astounding time of 57.11 seconds. She then outdid herself in the final, setting a new benchmark with an impressive time of 56.82 seconds. This remarkable performance not only cements Smith’s status as the premier Under-20 (U20) athlete in the 400m hurdles globally but also marks her as the fastest high school athlete ever in Florida for this event.

Smith’s excellence wasn’t confined to the hurdles; she soared to victory in the long jump, reaching 5.64 meters, and clinched a silver medal in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.10 seconds. Her exceptional achievements earned her the Most Valuable Athlete trophy at the invitational, highlighting her as a multifaceted talent in track and field.

As Smith prepares to compete in her final indoor meet at the New Balance Indoor Nationals Championship in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 8-10, 2024, the anticipation for her performance is sky-high.

In related news, the Virgin Islands Track and Field Team’s Malique Smith showcased his talents at the USC Indoor Open in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 17. Securing third place in his 400m heat with a commendable time of 49.01, Malique Smith is gearing up to represent the Virgin Islands at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, from March 1-3, bringing further acclaim to the territory’s athletic prowess on the global stage.