Virgin Islands Sprinter Adaejah T. Hodge says consistency will be the focus on the 2024 senior year, coming out of a thrilling weekend at the 2024 VA Showcase, a premier high school track and field event. Photo: Internet Source/File

The VI/USIV duo of Hodge & Smtih were accompanied by Alivia Williams and Skyler Franklin, to officially split their race to the finish line by 54.10, 53.79, 54.75, and 55.00 seconds each respectively. Photo: Internet Source

Hodge's comments follow a thrilling weekend at the 2024 VA Showcase, a premier high school track and field event.

Hodge, along with USVI’s Michelle Smith, helped Montverde Academy College break a new high school national record in the 4X400M relay event. The team clocked 3:37.63 seconds, erasing a nearly 20-year-old record formerly held by Long Beach Poly.

The VI/USVI duo of Hodge and Smith was accompanied by Alivia Williams and Skyler Franklin, to officially split their race to the finish line by 54.10, 53.79, 54.75, and 55.00 seconds each respectively.

'Coming to America' was the best decision- Hodge

“Coming into this weekend, I wasn't looking for a lot, I was just coming out here to have fun. It's my senior year, so my last first indoor meet. It was just like to have a great time with my teammates and just enjoy the Virginia Beach,” Hodge said in a post-race interview.

“It feels amazing, especially to have the title as one of the greatest sprinting classes in America right now or in the history of America coming from the British Virgin Islands. The competition it was getting when I lived in the British Virgin Islands, I just ran against the same people over and over again. So coming to America and having the opportunity to race more people and improve my skill was one of the best decisions my parents, my mom made,” she added.

'Hopefully I'll get to the Olympics'- Hodge

Meanwhile, Hodge said competing at the recent World Championships was also another great experience as she improved her skills in the field. 

“It was definitely a very good experience; it opened my eyes to a lot whatever you see on TV is not exactly what's happening behind the scenes on the world stage. Preparing me for college, I know that I would have to get to the track at a certain time, same with high school, but in general it prepared me for this year's Olympics and hopefully I'll get there.”

Meanwhile, she said the plans for 2024 will be all about consistency as well as enjoying what is left of her senior high school year.

“This year is more about consistency, I'm just trying to have a fun senior year and just have fun with my teammates at my last year with them and knowing that I'm going to college next year, like just have fun and be a kid for once.”