Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith, a freshman at the University of Georgia, opened her outdoor season with a dominant victory in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the Black and Gold Invitational in Orlando, Florida.
Competing at the UCF Track & Field/Soccer Complex, Smith clocked 55.98 seconds to secure first place, the fastest time in the NCAA this season and the fourth-best mark in the world as of March 21, according to the press release.
Smith, 18, competing for the Georgia Bulldogs, displayed impressive strength and endurance, finishing well ahead of Jamaica’s Jody-Ann Dixon of Clemson University, who placed second in 59.25 seconds, and Emmi Scales of the University of Kentucky, who took third in 59.64 seconds. The time also ranks Smith first in the world among Under-20 athletes and third on the University of Georgia’s all-time list, the press release stated.
She is set to represent the Virgin Islands at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago from April 18-22, the release stated.
View the 400m Hurdles race on YouTube here.
Meanwhile, Virgin Islands athlete Malique Smith faced a setback as he was unable to compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, due to visa issues. The event, held from March 21-23, brought together elite athletes from around the world, but Smith’s participation was derailed by delays in obtaining his visa, preventing him from traveling in time for the competition, the release stated.
Visa complications continue to pose challenges for athletes competing internationally, often disrupting training and competition schedules. Smith, who had been preparing extensively for the championships, remains focused on future events and is determined to return to competition, it said.
Athletes from the Virgin Islands are encouraged to register with the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation. Registration is available online through the federation’s website.
