The Virgin Islands Track & Field team delivered a proud and determined showing at the NACAC Under 18 and Under 23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, competing across sprints, hurdles, jumps, middle distance, and relays.
Over three days of action, the young athletes produced personal bests, season’s bests, national records, and several top‑eight finishes that highlight the growing strength of VI athletics.
From the opening heats, the VI athletes made it clear they were not in Mexico to simply participate—they were there to compete. In the U18 girls’ 100m, Charlise Morris opened the campaign with a steady 13.31, while Joeltica Rogers lit up Heat 3 with a sharp 12.23, a personal best that signaled her readiness for a big weekend.
In the U23 division, Nicola Peters powered through her 100m heat in 12.20, while on the men’s side, Juvante Hurst (11.44) and Yahraya Doctrine (11.14) delivered strong opening runs that set the tone for the sprint squad.
The 400m heats brought a different kind of challenge—Tlaxcala’s altitude. Yet Taliah Buckney‑Small (1:02.67), Kennedy Coggins (53.44), and Micah Dominique (53.96) pushed through with resilience, showing maturity beyond their years.
One of the most electrifying moments came in the U18 Mixed 4x400m relay. Faith, Joeltica, Juvante, and Kennedy combined for a stunning 3:46.99, shattering the U18 national record. Their baton exchanges were smooth, their pace relentless, and their unity unmistakable. It was the kind of race that reminds a federation why investment in youth matters.
Charlise returned to the runway for the U18 long jump final, soaring to 5.07m—a performance that added another highlight to her already busy weekend.
The 200m rounds brought fireworks. Joeltica delivered one of the meet’s defining performances: 24.31, a personal best and a World U20 qualifying mark. It was a run that announced her as one of the region’s rising stars.
Taliah (26.86), Kennedy (23.54), Micah (23.10), Nicola (24.94 SB), and Yahraya (22.43 Personal Best) added depth and strength across both divisions, proving the VI sprint program is gaining momentum.
In the U18 400m hurdles final, Safiya Prasad delivered a composed and courageous race, finishing 5th in 1:04.52. Faith, battling through the rounds, was unable to finish, but her presence throughout the meet remained impactful.
The U18 girls’ 4x100m team—Faith, Charlise, Taliah, and Joeltica—stormed to 49.11, breaking the U18 national record and finishing 4th in a fiercely competitive final.
Safiya returned for the 800m final, clocking 2:20.23 for 6th place, adding another top‑eight finish to her championship résumé.
Joeltica capped her remarkable weekend with a 24.73 in the U18 200m final, finishing 7th and proving her consistency across rounds.
The final event for the VI delegation—the U18 Mixed 4x100m relay—brought yet another national record. Charlise, Taliah, Juvante, and Micah combined for 46.44, securing the third U18 national record of the meet and closing the championship with a statement of depth and promise.
The Virgin Islands left Tlaxcala with:
- Three U18 National Records
- Multiple Personal Bests
- A World U20 Qualifying Standard
- Several Top‑Eight Finishes
More importantly, they left with belief—belief that the next generation is ready, capable, and hungry. Their performances reflect the dedication of coaches, families, and a federation committed to nurturing talent.
This meet was not just a competition. It was a glimpse into the future of Virgin Islands Track & Field—bright, bold, and rising.
