2-time Diamond League Champion, Kyron A. McMaster representing the [British] Virgin Islands at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar was disqualified from entering the men's 400-meter finals but has since appealed the decision. Photo: BVIAC

Kyron A. McMaster is one of three athletes from the Virgin Islands competing at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Photo: AP

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) understands that McMaster, who is also a Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and 2-time Diamond League Champion, was one of two athletes disqualified after crashing through the hurdles.

Instead, the top two places went to the American Rai Benjamin taking the win in 48.52, with home favourite and Qatari athlete Abderrahman Samba, taking second in 48.72, after dominating the 2018 season with a recorded best time of 46.98.

Our newsroom reached out to President of the BVI Athletics Association, Mr Steve Augustine who indicated that a successful appeal was made following the disqualification. 

Disqualification appealed 

"After a lengthy appeal, McMaster will contest the finals of the IAAF World Championship 400m hurdles schedule for 3:40 pm on Monday BVI time," he told VINO.

"In completing heat 1 of the semifinals Kyron ran 48.40 seconds to place 3rd in heat 1. Kyron’s time qualifies as the fastest non-automatic qualifier while being the 5th fastest competitor in the event this evening. Competing amongst the best athletes in the world we continue to wish him the very best," Mr Augustine said. 

With the disqualification now overturned, VI's McMaster is back on the road to his Doha 2019 400m hurdle quest for gold.

The VI athlete remains a top contender to claim a medal in this year's championships.