The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has announced that the Virgin Islands (VI) will be represented by six athletes at the upcoming World Athletics championships in Tokyo, Japan, from September 12 to 19.

This marks a historic milestone, as it is the largest delegation ever to represent the Territory at this prestigious global competition. These exceptional athletes will compete across both track and field events, carrying pride, hopes, and aspirations of the Virgin Islands onto the world stage.

The athletes qualified to compete are:

• Kyron mMcMaster – 400m Hurdles, World Ranking: 11th | 1333 pts
• Rikkoi Brathwaite – 100m, World Ranking: 48th | 1240 pts
• Chantel Malone – Long Jump, World Ranking: 32nd | 1196 pts
• Beyonce Defreitas – 200m, World Ranking: 63rd | 1188 pts
• Jaleel Croal – 200m, World Ranking: 61st | 1194 pts
• Djimon Gumbs – Shot Put, World Ranking: 50th | 1160 pts 

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro stated that this is a proud and historic moment for the Virgin Islands. “To have six of our athletes qualify for the World Athletics Championships is a true testament to their hard work, resilience, and world-class talent. Five of the six athletes have benefited from annual funding in support of their training and development through the Ministry’s Elite Althete Programme since 2024. Their achievements inspire not only our youth but the entire Territory, and we stand firmly behind them as they represent us in Tokyo.” 

Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Ms. Shaunice Leonard said, “Our athletes have demonstrated incredible dedication to their disciplines, and their qualification is proof that the Virgin Islands continues to grow as a nation of sporting excellence. We are proud to support them on this journey and look forward to celebrating their successes at the Championships.”

President of the BVI Athletics Association Mr. Steve Augustine noted that this historic moment is the culmination of years of dedication by the Territory’s athletes, coaches, and support systems. 

Mr. Augustine added, “To see six Virgin Islanders on the world stage at the same time is a dream realized for athletics in the Territory. The BVIAA is proud to stand with them, and we are confident they will showcase the grit, determination, and excellence that define the Virgin Islands. For one of the smallest countries in the world to field such a large delegation of qualifiers per capita is truly remarkable and a testament to the depth of our talent.”

Mr. Augustine went on to thank the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports for supporting BVIAA with the performance-based annual contribution of $100,000 and the implementation of the Elite Athlete Grant Programme which supports professional athletes.

The Territory stands united in support of the six athletes. The public is encouraged to tune into the Championships and cheer on the Virgin Islands athletes as they compete on the global stage.