Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) has extended congratulations to the four Olympians from the [British] Virgin Islands currently in Paris at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Internet Source/File

Kyron A. McMaster competes in the Men's 400m Hurdles Final in Paris today, August 9, 2024. Photo: Todd VanSickle/File

Adaejah T. Hodge, 18, was the youngest athlete in the Women's 200m at the Paris Olympics. Her last race at Stade de France saw her come up against the 100m Olympic Gold Medalist Julien Alfred, 23, of St Lucia. Photo: Todd vanSickle

Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite became the first male Virgin Islander to reach the semi-final of the 100m at any Olympic Games. Photo: Todd VanSickle

Unfortunately for Thad A. Lettsome, he could not improve his overall position as the final day of racing at the Paris Olympics on Monday, August 5, 2024, was cancelled due to lack of wind. Photo: Robert Deaves UK

'Inspirational' performance by Thad

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Hon de Castro congratulated sailor Thad A. Lettsome on his second-place finish in Race 4 in Men’s Dingy and for “sailing with excellence”, calling his achievement remarkable.

“He is the first from the BVI to achieve such an incredible feat. Thad’s success is truly inspirational and demonstrates what’s possible for the future of sailing in the BVI,” Hon de Castro said.

In winds that were a little bit lighter and fickle compared to races 5 and 6 the previous day on August 3, Lettsome beat a quarter of the fleet to round the second mark in 18th place ending Race 7 in a decent 26/43 place. Thad got off to a great start in Race 8 and in a tight race, placed 37/43 for an overall position of 38/43.

Unfortunately for Thad, he could not improve his overall position as the final day of racing on Monday, August 5, 2024, was cancelled due to lack of wind.

'Monumental achievement' by Rikkoi & Hodge

Hon de Castro also congratulated Track and Field athletes Rikkoi A. R. Brathwaite and Adaejah T. Hodge who competed in the 100m and 200m respectively. 

Hon de Castro called the two history makers because they reached the semi-finals in their respective races as first-time Olympians. 

“This is a monumental achievement, reflecting the grit and determination it took to reach this level of competition. Their performances have set a new standard and have shown that our athletes are among the best in the world,” she said. 

Brathwaite placed 8th in his semi-final race with a time of 10.15, a Personal Best, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. He is the first male Virgin Islander to reach a 100m semi-finals.

Hodge clocked in a time of 23 seconds in her debut run during the First Round of the Women’s 200m on August 3, 2024, finishing in 5th place in her Heat. 

Though she did not automatically qualify for the semi-finals, finishing 22nd overall, her time placed her as the third fastest non-qualifier and a spot in the Repege Round which was held on Monday, August 5, 2024. Hodge did not move on to the semi-finals, exiting her first Olympic Games by finishing 8th with a respectable time of 22.70 seconds. 

'Come out & shout loud & proud' for McMaster

Meanwhile, Hon de Castro also praised 400m Hurdles Track and Field athlete Kyron A. McMaster who has advanced to the finals. 

“His journey to this point has required immense patience, perseverance, grit, and heart. Kyron has faced numerous hurdles, and his relentless hard work and dedication have allowed him to overcome them all,” the Minister added. 

McMaster won his semi-final on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in a time of 48.15 seconds. 

The finals are scheduled for today, Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis at 3:45 PM. 

A Watch Party has been organised by the Ministry for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and the British Virgin Islands Athletic Association (BVIAA) at Rena’s Festiville from 3:00 PM.

Hon de Castro encouraged all Virgin Islanders to wish McMaster the best and called on them to “come out and shout loud and proud” for him as he runs in the finals.