Gov’t gifts Kyron McMaster $38K for his track exploits this season
Two-time Commonwealth Games and North American, Central American & Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) 400-metre hurdles champion Kyron McMaster returned home yesterday to a cheque valuing $38,000 for his exploits at the two games this summer.
McMaster, who recovered from a hamstring injury sustained at the World Championships, thereafter managed to defend his crown at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first athlete to accomplish that in his event. He then went on to defend his NACAC crown in a championship record.
Speaking at his brief homecoming ceremony, McMaster noted it was a special coming home for him this year. He said the last two seasons were tough for him as he was plagued with injuries and just missed out on a medal at last year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The Commonwealth Games Champion said more than ever, his family was there for him through the tough times.
Although it was a moment to celebrate his accomplishments, McMaster used the time to focus on athlete development in the territory. He said he had some good conversations with the Minister for Sports Sharie de Castro on how the government can focus on the development of young athletes in the territory and bring them to the level at which he is competing.
“You know I slipped through the cracks, and I went abroad. I’ve been around the block. It is easy to say I have seen the highest of the highs in the track and field world. I’ve walked the red carpet of functional events in the track and field world. But I have been at the lows. I’ve been in eighth place consecutively many times, but they never speak about that. I know what the future athletes have coming up for them and if you ain’t mentally strong, it is easy to quit and easy to stop if you don’t have that push,” McMaster said.
“So, I feel that’s why it is imperative, and it is necessary now that we have to target the younger ones. I think they are blinded by not seeing the success of working hard because they see somebody like me going out there and from their perspective, he keeps finishing fourth and there is no real winning or earning in that from a young person’s perspective. So, that is why it is easy for them to shy away,” he added.
Mentorship
The two-time NACAC Champion also spoke on being mentors for younger athletes and helping them understand that success in any sport does not come overnight.
“Everyone keeps telling you to be successful, but they don’t tell you about the journey to get there and it is the journey that makes you or breaks you. I am still on my path. I don’t think I have been successful to where I want in my track and field journey. My goal is to bring home medals in the two major championships — the Olympics and World Championships. I’ve already bagged the Commonwealth Games twice,” McMaster said.
Meanwhile, Minister de Castro spoke of the conversations she’s had with McMaster and how humbling it was for her.
“Kyron is young, and he’s younger than me. But when you’re going to try to speak with him about what he’s done, and how much it means; instead of projecting it on himself, he speaks about how he had to do it for the country and how he felt like we needed something, to be uplifted, and we needed this moment, even more than him. And I know that he had recently been recovering from an injury. So, for him to put himself on the back burner like that and speak about our country and what it would mean to us, it taught me truly just in that short space of time who he is, and it spoke to his character,” de Castro said.
The Sports Minister also noted that conversations surrounding the development of sports will continue in the territory and McMaster will be a key person in the discussions.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Give him one of those houses that social security built up at joe’s hill/long bush
Why $38K? Was $2000 withheld as tax? A $40k or $50k prize or maybe a substantial plot of land would have been more appropriate given how far Kyron has taken the Brand BVI in the sporting arena. Our treatment of our people must improve. Athletes of the next generation are watching on; therefore we must support their growth by providing stronger incentives.
Why did you short him the 2K?
and more. He represents the BVI in sports quite well along with others. Very proud of him and his accomplishments. Wishing him more success in the future.
Big up to you brother…All the best!
That was only 1 check for participation… The other check( the real one) is the white envelope Hon.DeCastro give him in his hand… Geeeeeezzzzz!!!!
How come he ain get land like….? hmmm
Good on him, training pays off. You see him training whatever the weather. The youth needs positive role models and he sure is one. Look at his smile!
If you ask me, he deserves more than $38,000. At least a plot of land.
He should get more than that amount. He made history for the Virgin Islands, and continues to shine like a star.
ayo got money for everything but the damn school them
He has more coming when he wins the olympics. Just the tip of the ice berg – keep hurdling Kyron!
That money should have spend fixing east end road…I am getting tired of driving through a shit hole of a road..my next visit to dmv is to cut my road license by half..if they disagree then take me to court,after that I will challenge to judge if he or she would stay in an home with leaking pipes or call to get it fix? If the job doesn’t do properly then don’t pay seek another contractor,,you cannot graduate student of the vi with 5 subjects and expect them to be pros..yet majority of the local born their child in st Thomas..a bunch of ignorant people trying to live a life by strangle and punish expats..but guess what there will be a time when for who was born here…getting your birth certificate from st Thomas doesn’t count in government.
So what happen to people who are greatly in need who are sick or need financial help to fly over sea to get help, and I have nothing against kyron, am proud of him and he is excelling well, but because of this the government want to be doing this to be acknowledge, it’s not good , look so many youths out there on the track giving effort, why they dont get money to help and advance them? So government wait till u reach a high point and look for spotlight
You and I both. I feel the exact same way.
I hear you but certainly we can fix roads while rewarding our National heroes with a measly $38,000. It shouldn’t have to be either or. They waste millions every year. Our roads are in a horrible state, especially in East End. It’s mind boggling. People need to put their feet down and stop accepting mediocrity. Go cut up that driver’s license. Better yet, block the road. That might get their attention.
This should be a positive for the youths out there training as you say. It shows that if you are dedicated and successful you will be rewarded.. To all the youths out there training etc.. don’t give up !! This young man has paved the way for you to be successful!! Great job Kyron!!??
No matter what you do, some still have to be negative. Celebrate this young man’s accomplishment. Small minded – ignorant – living in a box people worried about how much money he received and what they thought he should have received. Hmmm NONSENSE!
Kyron, we are very PROUD of you. Govt thank you for acknowledging Kyron. He is truly a BVI Treasure! We hope to see more young people on the same path! ??