BVI athlete defeats World, Olympic champions

Kyron McMaster after winning the race (foreground)

By Davion Smith, BVI News Online Journalist

Kyron McMaster stamped his athletic class at the IAAF Diamond League in Zurich today by winning the final of the 400 Metre Hurdles, beating a world-class line-up of athletes.

The British Virgin Islands native took the win in fine style over the reigning World and Olympic champions Karsten Warholm and Kerron Clement respectively.

McMaster crossed the finish line to win gold in 48.07 seconds, while World champion Warholm from Norway copped the silver medal in 48.22 seconds.

Switzerland’s Kariem Hussein ran 48.45 seconds to win the bronze, ahead of the Olympic champion Clement of the United States who finished fourth in 49.20.

The win is also sweet vindication of sorts for McMaster, who was thrown out of the IAAF World Championship in London earlier this month due to a lane infringement. He had gone into that prestigious championship with the world leading 47.80 seconds he set in Jamaica in May.

Following McMaster’s triumph in Switzerland today, President of the BVI Athletic Association (BVIAA) Steve Augustine said the athlete’s victory means great things for British Virgin Islands athletics.

“Kyron’s achievement is definitely one that is worth commending… We would have loved to have seen the same thing at World Champs, but we are just as grateful to get the victory at this diamond league.”

Augustine also acknowledged McMaster’s coach, Dag Samuels. “He (Samuels) has done all of this from training back in the British Virgin Islands. They’ve spent some time over in Europe doing some training as well, but I definitely like to commend his efforts for what he’s been able to do with Kyron – getting him not just to the world stage, but to the podium on the world stage.”

McMaster is set to compete in another Diamond League event this year.

Drakes_650x200