Athletes from across the territory stormed the lanes at the 2025 Eunice Bedminster Virgin Islands National Championship, held June 21 at St. Croix Educational Complex High School.
Sanctioned by the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation, this year’s meet brought together an elite mix of veteran competitors and emerging contenders from St. Croix Track Club, Jolly Roger Run Club, and Champion Track Club eager to prove themselves.
The event was named in honor of USVI track star and irreplaceable community pillar, Eunice Bedminster, who currently serves as executive editor of the Virgin Islands Daily News.
“It’s special to me just being here,” Bedminster said with a smile. “I’m honored to come and watch these young athletes compete at the sport I enjoyed so much.” She was even inspired to get back on the track. “I didn’t wear my running shoes today so I wouldn’t be tempted,” she laughed.
Leading the competition were St. Croix Track Club standouts Michelle, Mikaela, and Malique Smith — a powerhouse trio of siblings whose performances electrified the crowd.
Michelle Smith, fresh off an outstanding debut at the University of Georgia, returned home in top form. She was recently named this year’s SEC Freshman Runner of the Year and helped Georgia’s women’s team capture the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship. She showcased that dominance in her national homecoming, cruising to victory in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with a time of 56.31 seconds, followed by a sharp 55.78-second split in the gold-winning mixed 4x400m relay.
“You have to go out there and execute no matter how you feel,” the levelheaded 19-year-old commented. “I just go on the line and perform how I know I should be performing.”
Her brother Malique, no stranger to the national stage, added to the family’s medal haul with a commanding 51.64 in the men’s 400-meter hurdles before leading off the mixed 4x400m relay with a blazing 46.65-second split.
Their sister Mikaela matched that intensity in the 800-meter open, taking gold in 2:15.00, then anchoring the mixed 4x400m relay with a strong 57.96 to secure the team’s national record-setting time of 3:31.93.
Fellow St. Croix Track Club athlete Omar Simpson continued to build his name in the men’s 200 m and 400 m, winning in 21.73 seconds and 51.52 seconds, respectively, before powering through a strong third-leg relay split of 51.55 seconds in the STXTC-A team’s record-setting 4x400m performance.
While many seasoned athletes delivered expected wins, fresh faces made sure to keep things exciting. Charlotte Amalie High School’s Joeltica Rogers, a member of Champion Track Club, made a clean sweep in the sprints, earning gold in the 100 m (12.46), 200 m (26.00), and 400 m (59.18). She also contributed a 1:03.54 split in the 4x400m relay, pushing her team to a third-place finish and cementing her position as one of the top up-and-comers in the territory.
Overall, St. Croix Track Club made a dominant showing, collecting 14 gold, 15 silver, and nine bronze medals. Champion Track Club followed with a strong performance, amassing four gold, three silver, and three bronze, while Jolly Roger Run Club brought home three gold, three silver, and six bronze.
The depth of competition was on full display across all clubs, with JRRC’s middle-distance crew, including Nathan Langley, Rachel Conhoff, and Zavier Saleem, racking up first-place finishes.
Field events were not to be overlooked as athletes stole the crowd’s attention with their impressive performances.
- Jordan Vaughn (STXTC) led the throws, winning both the javelin (38.86m) and shot put (13.69m).
- Faith Eatmon (STXTC) won the long jump (4.74m) and placed second in the 200m.
- Isaiah Benjamin (STXTC) cleared 1.75m to win the high jump.
- Davina Brown won both the shot put in 8.61m and the javelin throw in 26.56m
Even in the youth divisions, up-and-coming competitors showed tremendous promise.
- Zavier Saleem (JRRC) won the 1500 m in 5:21.62 and placed second in the 800m.
- Khaiem Hansen (STXTC) took gold in the 800 m (2:32.74) and long jump 3.79m.
- Malachi MacLorrain (STXTC) won the 200 m (28.69).
- Siana Austrie (CTC) came in first in the 100 m (15.63).
- Grace Eatmon (STXTC) impressed in the 400 m (1:19.71) and 200 m (32.08).
- Amel Bain finished (JRRC) first in the 800 m (3:17.44).
- Jennyel Robles (STXTC) won gold in the 400 m 1:09.61.
Stats courtesy of Mireille Smith – VITFF General Secretary. View complete results at vitrackandfield.com/competitions/.
From national records to personal milestones, the 2025 Eunice Bedminster National Championship was a master class in determination, teamwork, and the unrelenting spirit of Virgin Islands track and field.
All V.I. athletes should register with the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation. Registration can be done online at the federation’s website.
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