Competing in Kentucky, St. Croix Track Club veteran Mikaela Smith, who runs for Austin Peay State University, won her heat in the 800-meter and was sixth overall out of 48 competitors at the Kentucky Invitational Track & Field event over the weekend.
According to a news release from the V.I. Track and Field Federation, Smith’s time of 2:11.89 is her new personal record. The time puts her at number three on the all-time list of female 800-meter runners in the Virgin Islands.
The two Virgin Islanders ahead of Smith on the list are Ninfa Barnard, the V.I. record holder who ran a 2:8.43 in 2013, and Nichelle Gibbs, who ran 2:10.07 in 2005.
Junior Results
On the St. Croix junior level, Michelle Smith of St. Croix Track Club stood out in the girls’ under-17 division with wins in the 1500-meter, 60-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles. In the 400-meter hurdles race, Smith established a Virgin Islands Youth record and CARIFTA qualifier of 1:02.62.
Athletes competed in the high jump, hurdles, sprints, and the 1500-meter event at the St. Croix Educational Complex track and field facility.
Nathan Langley of Jolly Rogers Track Club won three events in the boys’ under-17 division – the 80-meter dash, 400-meter and 80-meter hurdles.
Akyra Joseph of St. Croix Track Club won four events in the girls’ under-15 division – the 60-meter hurdles, 80-meter dash, high jump and the 400-meter.
In the girls’ under-13 division, Jeniqua Weeks of St. Croix Track Club won the 60-meter dash, high jump and the 400-meter.
Joshua Tewinkle of St. Croix Track Club won four events in the boys’ under-15 division the 80- and 400-meter dashes, the 80-meter hurdles and the high jump.
In the under-20 males’ division, Jay Whyte of St. Croix Track Club won the 1500- and 400-meter races. In the open girls’ division, Rachael Conhoff of Jolly Rogers Track Club won the 1500- and 400-meter races.
The top three finishers for all divisions are available here – 2021_DevelopmentalMeet3-Results
In its news release, the V.I. Track and Field Federation thanked the competition commission, coaches, and volunteers who work to make the meets possible.
Encouraging all athletes, volunteers and coaches to make sure to register to attend the upcoming events, the federation said, “All COVID-19 protocols will be followed according to the Department of Health compliance. Only registered competitors, volunteers, and coaches are allowed in the track and field facilities. Spectators can view from their vehicle outside the facility.”
The next meet is scheduled for 8 a.m., Saturday, May 15, at the St. Croix Educational Complex track and field facility. The competition commission is preparing for upcoming competitions on St. Thomas as well.
Athletes can register online at the federation’s website.