Local sprint queen retiring | Hopes to be spokesperson for athletes

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, the woman who has been described as the BVI’s ‘Queen of Sprint’, is retiring from professional athletics.

Speaking at a recent athletic press conference at the TB Lettsome International Airport last week, Harrigan-Scott said she intends to retire this year.

She said she hopes to use retirement to, effectively, become a spokesperson for up-and-coming local athletes.

“My plan for the future is to carry out the knowledge of what I experienced and bridging the gap between an athlete, the government, the executives, and the committees.”

“This is to make sure that whatever the athletes want, their voices are heard. Because we have a lot of talent in the BVI … Yes, we are a small country. But it doesn’t matter the size of the country, it matters the determination and what we can actually put into our youths to ensure that they excel.”

As a veteran local athlete, Harrigan-Scott noted the importance of supporting others interested in the athletics.

Years of representation

Amid the announcement of her retirement, minister responsible for sports Myron Walwyn has applauded the sprinter.

“I want to thank Tahesia for representing the territory for so many years. You have done extremely well and we are all here very, very proud of your accomplishments,” he said.

Harrigan-Scott has a relatively decorated athletic career; having represented the territory at a number of international track meets.

She has been recognised for finishing third in the semifinal round of the Women’s 100-metre event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia recently.

She has won a gold medal at least twice — first at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006, and in Mayaguez back in 2010.