Michelle Smith, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ top junior runners, set the V.I. national record in the 300m hurdles while competing in the Louie Bing Track and Field Invitational in Miami, Fla., on Feb. 18 and 19, while competing for Montverde Academy.
Smith, the 15-year-old daughter of Keith Smith VITFF president, and Mireille Sankatsing Smith, former NCAA Division I – 800m champion, set the V.I. national record in the prelims of the 300m hurdles, which she won in a time of 43.35. Smith bettered her own record in the finals the next day with a winning time of 41.86. Her 41.86 run ranked her number 1 in the United States for high school athletes in the 300m hurdles.
Smith also competed in the 100m hurdles where she won her prelim heat in a V.I. junior record of 14.84. In the finals the next day, Smith bettered the V.I. junior record by running a 14.64, placing 2nd overall. Her time of 14.64 in the 100m hurdles ranked her 3rd in the state of Florida and 17th in the United States.
