Local sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite has had a successful start to his Olympic campaign, securing his spot in the semi-finals of the men’s 100-metre event in Paris, France, on Saturday, August 3.
Running out of lane 4, Brathwaite finished his heat in a time of 10.13 seconds, earning third place and one of the three automatic qualifying spots needed to advance to the semis.
He finished behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who ran 10.03 seconds, and Akeem Blake of Jamaica, who ran 10.06 seconds for second place.
After his qualification, a grateful Brathwaite was seen openly kneeling and offering praises of thanks to God. Brathwaite will compete in the semi-finals, which get underway at 2 pm BVI time on Sunday, August 4.
This is Brathwaite’s first-ever Olympic Games, and he is one of four athletes representing the BVI across multiple sporting disciplines.
COngrats young man.
Good luck to him.
A St Lucian girl just won their first ever gold medal in the womens 100m. Magnificent.
You didn’t make the finals but you did a wonderful job trying. I enjoy watching you try… team BVI!!