A strong delegation of senior athletes from the Virgin Islands are traveling to Medellín, Colombia, for the 2026 Pan American Senior Track and Field Championships, taking place June 26–28, 2026.
This prestigious event brings together the best athletes from North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and serves as a direct qualifier for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, scheduled for July 23 – August 8, 2027.
Representing the territory across sprints, hurdles, middle‑distance, and relays, the Virgin Islands delegation is poised for a powerful showing on the continental stage.
One of the territory’s most decorated athletes, VI Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith, will compete in the 400m hurdles and the Mixed 4×400m Relay.
Hurdler Malique Smith is entered in the 400m hurdles and will also run in the Mixed 4×400m Relay.
Sprinter Omar Simpson will take on a demanding triple: the 200m, the 4×100m Relay, and the Mixed 4×400m Relay.
Middle‑distance standout Mikaela Smith will represent the Virgin Islands in the 800m.
Fresh off a strong collegiate season, Saraiah Walkes will compete in the 100m and join the Mixed 4×400m Relay squad.
Distance runner Eduardo Garcia will contest the 5,000m, representing the territory in one of the championship’s most competitive endurance events.
Although the championship is a senior event, several U20 athletes have qualified to compete at the elite level, demonstrating the depth of emerging talent in the Virgin Islands.
Jah’Quan Creque – 100m, 200m, 4×100m Relay
Rajon Charles – 100m, 200m, 4×100m Relay
Yahraya Doctrine – 100m, 4×100m Relay
Vedant Mittal – 400m
These young athletes will gain invaluable experience competing against this hemisphere’s top senior sprinters and they will have the opportunity to work with the VI’s top senior athletes.
The Pan American Senior Championships serve as a direct qualification pathway to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Strong performances in Medellín can secure automatic berths, making this championship one of the most important meets of the 2026 season for the Virgin Islands delegation.
With athletes competing across multiple disciplines and relays, the Virgin Islands enters the championship with both seasoned veterans and rising stars ready to make their mark.
