Huggins creates history

Nelda Huggins, who is enrolled at Iowa Central College, has become the first female athlete from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to win an individual title at any collegiate level in the United States.

Chantel Malone previously achieved similar distinction, but only as a member of the University of Texas’ 3x400m relay team, which had competed at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championship (NCAA).

Huggins, in her own right, raced into the history books when she participated in the NCAA Indoor Championships held at Pittsburg State University in Kansas on Saturday, March 4.

In doing so, she also recorded a new personal best.

Huggins, who went into the championships as one of the medal favorites in the 60 metre dash after an outstanding first indoor season, won her heat in 7.32 seconds.

She returned to win the final in 7.31 seconds – a time bettered only by BVI native Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, who is a former World Indoor bronze medalist.

Huggins did not stop there. She went on to finish second to Trinidad and Tobago native Zakiya Denoon of Monroe College in another event. Both athletes are former Carifta Games rivals in the 200-metre dash.