BVI honours Hodge after historic Commonwealth Games win

The BVI has honoured its Commonwealth Games athletes, with record-breaking sprinter Adaejah Hodge receiving special recognition for her historic gold-medal performance in Glasgow.

Hodge became the first female athlete from the territory to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal when she captured the women’s 200 metres in 22.07 seconds. The 20-year-old had earlier set a Commonwealth Games record of 22.01 seconds in the semi-final.

BVI Olympic Committee Second Vice-President Ashley Kelly said Team BVI fielded 12 athletes at the Glasgow Games. For the first time, four BVI sprinters — two women and two men — advanced to the 200-metre semi-finals.

“These results do not happen by accident. They come from investment. They come from partnerships,” Kelly stated.

She said the athletes created a family atmosphere during the Games by supporting and celebrating each other.

“We had a young BVI team, but we had a team that felt like family. They supported each other. They celebrated each other. They showed up for each other. And most importantly, they showed up for the BVI,” Kelly stated.

BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine noted that Hodge was the youngest competitor in the women’s 200 metres. He also clarified that the government’s cash award programme could not apply to her because she competes under National Collegiate Athletic Association rules.

Hodge thanked residents for supporting the entire team throughout the competition.

“Just knowing that the BVI team, the BVI fans were rallying behind us the whole time was just amazing,” Hodge stated.

She said the athletes carried the territory’s pride wherever they competed and urged young people not to abandon their ambitions during difficult periods.

“To the youth, I would encourage you guys to not give up on your dreams. It’s going to be a lot of hard times, but that’s where you focus on you, lean on your parents, lean on your coaches, lean on your support group,” Hodge stated.

Education Minister Sharie DeCastro said a Virgin Islander had won gold at each of the last three Commonwealth Games in 2018, 2022 and 2026. Kyron McMaster won the men’s 400-metre hurdles in 2018 and successfully defended his title in 2022.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley credited Hodge’s family, coaches, teachers, the BVI Athletics Association and the BVI Olympic Committee for contributing to her development.

“Our athletes are our national treasures,” Dr Wheatley stated. “She belongs to the entire Virgin Islands. And everybody, everybody should be proud of her success and get behind her.”