Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith was honored by the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands at the Perma Plaque Ceremony.
Resolution 1898: Bill No. 34-0380 — A resolution honoring and commending Michelle Mycah Leonie Smith for her outstanding performance in track and field and her contributions to the Virgin Islands community as a sports ambassador.
Smith was introduced by Sen. Kurt Vialet, who acknowledged that since sponsoring the bill, Smith had achieved numerous additional significant milestones. Sen. Vialet also mentioned that the bill would require ongoing amendments for the next decade. Although Michelle was not present, her father, Keith Smith, mother, Mireille Sankatsing-Smith, and grandmother, Leonora Smith, accepted the Perma Plaque on her behalf. Keith Smith conveyed Michelle’s gratitude and appreciation for being acknowledged by the 35th Legislature and the Virgin Islands.
Michelle Smith’s major accomplishments:
NACAC U18 Champion (twice): Michelle Smith has clinched the title of North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-18 Champion not once, but twice. Winning the 400m Hurdles and 800m. Michelle also set an NACAC Under-18 record in the 400m Hurdles, and she won a silver medal in the 100m Hurdles. Her consistent performance at this level demonstrates her prowess and determination.
CARIFTA Games champion six times: Smith has won six gold medals in the CARIFTA Games, winning the 400m Hurdles and 800m double in the last three consecutive games. In her first Under-17 appearance, she also managed to set a championship record in the 400m Hurdles and win a silver medal in the 100m Hurdles. Smith’s medal total for the CARIFTA Games is seven, which is the highest total by any Virgin Islander.
Pan American U20 Championships Silver Medalist:
Competing at the Pan American Under-20 Championships, Smith secured a silver medal in the 400m Hurdles. This achievement places her among the top athletes in the region and showcases her ability to perform on an international stage.
Top 8 Finisher at the Pan American Games: In the highly competitive Pan American Games, Smith achieved a commendable 4th place finish. Her resilience and skill were evident as she competed against elite athletes from many countries.
Top 8 Finisher at the World U20 Championships: Representing her nation, the Virgin Islands, at the World Under-20 Championships in 2022, Smith demonstrated her mettle by finishing 5th in the world as a 16-year-old, one of the youngest athletes competing in the championships. 5th place is the highest ranking a Virgin Islander has ever received in the World Under-20 Championships.
The bill sponsors are Sen. Kurt Vialet, Sen. Genevieve R. Whitacker, Sen. Franklin D. Johnson, Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff and Sen. Milton E. Potter. The co-sponsors are Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. and Sen. Samuel Carrion.
