Malone seeks podium finish after making history

Local athlete Chantel Malone has made history by earning the British Virgin Islands a place in a final at the 2017 IAAF World Championships being held in London.

She made the final start list of the Women’s Long Jump after she leapt 6.52 metres during the qualification round on Wednesday, August 9.

The 25-year-old qualified on her first attempt, and is entering today’s final in the seventh position. A total of 12 women are vying for a podium finish in the event.

“In qualifying for the finals of the Women’s Long Jump, Chantel became the first BVI athlete to make a final in any senior world outdoor championships… She is confident, up-spirited, and eager to do well this evening,” said President of the BVI Athletics Association Steve Augustine.

He further stated that he believes Malone can secure a medal in the event.

“By all indications, BVI athletics is moving steadily at making a podium finish at a senior outdoor championship. With Chantel jumping tonight, it may very well happen,” Augustine said.

Malone who has a personal best of 6.69 already jumped to 6.67 metres this season.

The Long Jump final for women is scheduled to kick off today at 2:10pm, local time.

Meanwhile, Malone qualified for her final after disappointing outcomes from her sprinting teammates Ashley Kelly and Kyron McMaster. They are the only other athletes representing the BVI at the 2017 IAAF World Championships.

McMaster, who entered the Men’s 400 metre hurdles competition as a medal favourite, was disqualified for a lane violation during the preliminary round on Sunday. The BVI faced further disappointment when 400 metre runner, Kelly, did not make it past the semi-final round of her event.