USVI Track Stars Set Territorial U20 Records During Recent Meets

The Virgin Islands has recently been basking in the limelight due to the stellar performances of its young athletes in the realm of track and field.

Michelle Smith, a senior at Montverde Academy and a designated Sports Ambassador, delivered a remarkable performance at the RADD Sunshine Showcase Indoor Track and Field competition on January 20. Smith clinched first place in the 60m Hurdles, clocking in at 8.72 seconds, a new record for both the VI National U20 and her school. She continued to impress in the Long Jump, securing second place with a 5.66-meter (18 feet and 7 inches) leap, yet another U20 and school record. Smith also set a personal best in the 200m, finishing her heat in 24.51 seconds and taking fourth place overall. She is gearing up for her next competition at the East Coast Invitational in Virginia Beach, VA, scheduled for February 3, 2024.

Adding to the Virgin Islands’ athletic accomplishments, Sofia Swindell, a junior at Lawrenceville School, made a significant impact at the Mercer County Track and Field Championships in Princeton, NJ, and Tom’s River, NJ. Swindell excelled in the triple jump with a 10.69-meter effort and achieved fifth place in the long jump. She also triumphed in the 55m hurdles, setting a new VI National U20 Record of 8.25 seconds, and in the 55m dash, establishing a personal record of 7.18 seconds. Swindell’s next challenge is the Metropolitan Invitational on January 24 at Ursinus College in PA.

The 4th VITFF Developmental Meet, held in St. Croix on January 18, showcased a plethora of local talent across various age groups, ranging from the U13 category to the Open division. The event highlighted the depth and breadth of skill present in the Virgin Islands, with winners emerging in disciplines spanning from sprints to field events.

For those interested in the complete list of victors from the developmental meet, the official Virgin Islands Track and Field website offers comprehensive results.

Looking forward, the Virgin Islands is set to host the interscholastic track and field competition on St. Croix. The events, scheduled for Middle School, High School Junior Varsity, and High School Varsity on January 25, 2024, and for Elementary School on January 26, 2024, promise to further showcase the exceptional talent and potential of the region’s young athletes, fostering the continued growth of track and field in the area.