McMaster now the 8th fastest 400m hurdler of all time
This story has been updated
Neither of the BVI’s two Olympic finalists — Kyron McMaster or Chantel Malone — was able to finish with a medal but their performances at the Tokyo Games has been nothing short of exceptional.
McMaster finished fourth in what is now the fastest ever 400-metres hurdles race in the history of the sport.
The winner of the event was Norway’s Karsten Warholm who finished with a breathtaking time of 45.94 seconds — breaking his own world record of 46.70 and becoming the only man in history to ever run below 46 seconds in that event.
Coming in second for the silver medal was American Rai Benjamin who also ran the best race of his life to finish with a time of 46.17 seconds.
That Olympic finals also produced the third-fastest 400-metre hurdler in history — Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos who ran 46.72 seconds to claim the bronze ahead of McMaster of the BVI.
McMaster finished the race in 47.08 seconds — smashing the BVI’s national record and making him the eighth fastest 400-metre hurdler of all time.
“Today what you saw was the epitome of greatest, just not from me but obviously from the three other athletes, even from the athletes behind of me … I could guarantee you no one ever thought that a ’47:0′ might not get you a medal. They probably said that would get you like a third outside of Rai and Warholm, but 46 is the top three places for a medal right now,” McMaster said following his race.
“When persons go to look back at the race … they’re going to see my name so I’m grateful for that. Obviously, all of us are young [and] we’re still hungry so you can expect us, year after year until we hang up our shoes, beating on each others necks consistently,” the local sensation added.
The Men’s 400-metre Hurdles Final happened Monday night, August 2 (BVI time) — minutes after the conclusion of the Women’s Long Jump final where the BVI’s Malone competed.
Malone, too, did not make it to the podium in her event but she and McMaster have etched the BVI in the history books; having now been recorded as the only athletes to ever represent the territory in an Olympic final.
“I know you guys are proud but I’m super disappointed just because I’m in the best shape of my life and my intention was to go out there and at least execute and I wasn’t able to do that. And that’s the disappointing part. But, you know what, nonetheless, I’m grateful for the experience and being able to compete here … and to be a finalist for the BVI is a big deal,” Malone said in a post-competition interview courtesy of the the BVI Olympic Association.
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Fantastic, congratulations!! BVI must be very very proud
Kyron and Chantel, congratulations on your historic achievement; proud of you. The annals of history will be kind to you for your Herculean effort in etching the VI, a tiny dot in the Caribbean Sea with an estimated 30000 population, in the consciousness of the rest of the world.
Moreover, every worthwhile journey starts with a bold first step. You have established historic firsts and took memorable, historic first steps for the BVI, being finalists in the 400 metre hurdle and long jump, respectively, in the XXXII Olympiad events in Tokyo, Japan. Challenging and demanding representation extremely well done.
You have set the example and standard for current and future generations of VI athletes that are very worthy of emulation, demonstrating that the Virgin Is-land—-is the Land of opportunities and possibilities.
Your commitment, dedication, preparation and hard work are exemplary, points to positive outcomes and is the North Star for VI athletics. You are both hero and heroine so walk with your heads high. Though you and fellow Virgin Islanders may be highly disappointed that you didn’t medal in Tokyo, you are winners. August 02, 2021, was a Red Letter Day for the BVI in track and field. Much BVI love.
Incredible achievement. Well done…
Chantel and Kyron you are super heroes of these Virgin Islands. For to make it to the Olympics and to be finalists, you have won gold for us. I am so so proud of you as I am sure many others in this
Territory are. May God continue to give you good health, mental and physical, and may you continue to grow and excel in your sports. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU HAVE DONE THIS TERRITORY PROUD.
I saw a comment on the world news the other night that said very few people actually get to meet and know an Olympian . Only about 1 person in every 730,000 people get to complete in the Olympics . In little BVI we have 3 out of 30,000 which is absolutely amazing .
Well done!!!
Congratulation to Mr. McMaster, Ms. Malone and Ms. Phillips. Continue to shine in your athletic careers. We are proud of your successes.
How is it 46.72 the 3rd fastest in history when your article says the Warholm ran 46.70 for the previous world record? I believe that makes it 4th fastest.
Thats a very fast track. Everyone Did PB on that Track. I am certain Bolt would have run under 9 seconds in the 100 and under 19 seconds in the 200.. I just Didn’t see Max effort from Mac Master..
I guess you could’ve done better. Maybe you should try out next time and show him how it’s done.
Congrats McMaster! You have done what many could only dream! You are an inspiration.