U.S. Virgin Islands Competitors Shine at the 2023 Pan American Games

The U.S. Virgin Islands’ contingent has been showcasing its athletic prowess at the Pan American Games currently underway in Santiago, Chile. The territory’s representatives have been drawing attention in the fencing and archery categories with commendable performances.

Seventeen-year-old fencer Kruz Schembri emerged as a notable competitor, securing a top-10 position in the Men’s Individual Foil event. As the youngest participant among the 19 entrants in his category, Schembri’s achievement is particularly remarkable considering his age and that this marks his second appearance at the Pan American Games, his debut being at the 2022 edition in Paraguay. Schembri expressed his pride and motivation derived from representing the Virgin Islands, stating, “It’s an honor to carry our flag on this stage, and it fuels my drive at every point in the competition and beyond.”

In the archery competitions, the U.S. Virgin Islands was represented by veteran Olympian Anne Abernathy in the Women’s Individual Recurve event, where she placed 21st. Abernathy, a celebrated 6-time Winter Olympian for the Virgin Islands at the age of 70, exuded a triumphant spirit despite her ranking. She noted the support from both her home territory and the global archery community, highlighting her unique position as possibly the oldest participant at the Pan American Games, competing with vigor against much younger archers.

Nicholas D’Armour, another archer from the U.S. Virgin Islands, mirrored Abernathy’s result by also finishing 21st in the Men’s Individual Recurve. D’Armour’s journey in the tournament concluded after a closely contested elimination round with a competitor from El Salvador, while Abernathy was bested by a Mexican opponent in her second match. Nevertheless, the duo has shown promising potential in the mixed team category, securing a 9th place ranking and an upcoming match against Cuba, offering another opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands to clinch a medal at the Games.

The performances of these athletes not only bring attention to the sporting talent of the U.S. Virgin Islands but also inspire a sense of unity and pride among their fellow citizens. The Pan American Games continue to be a platform for the territory’s athletes to excel and embody the competitive spirit of their homeland.