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‘This small-town boy did it’ — C’wealth features McMaster

Kyron McMaster after winning gold during the Men’s 400m hurdles final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo Credit: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Of the 6,000-plus athletes and team officials who participated, the Commonwealth Games Federation selected local star athlete Kyron McMaster to sit at their head table during a press conference on the final day of the Games held in Australia.

The press conference was two-fold. It served as a wrap-up of the annual Games, and it afforded the historic 400-metre hurdles gold medalist the opportunity to speak of his experience in the international event.

“Winning the first medal for the British Virgin Islands was big. Before the race, everyone was messaging me crazily saying, ‘no pressure, but we want the medal’,” he said.

“Winning it after what we have been through (Hurricane Irma), I was happy that I could deliver on that and especially the gold medal. Everyone was just so happy and so I was happy to bring some joy back to the BVI.”

McMaster (second from left) sits at the head table during a press conference on the final day of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. (Photo provided)

A signal of hope

According to McMaster, his win signals hope for other athletes.

“Not only for the athletes back home but also those from other small countries who haven’t medaled yet, who can say ‘if this small-town boy can do it, we can do it’.”

He added: “For the athletes back home, I know that they are looking at it as motivation regardless of the standards of their training. They can use it and can progress.”

The star athlete now looks forward to competing at the annual International Association of Athletics Federation’s Diamond League events.

It is slated for May 4 in Qatar, Western Asia.

Meanwhile, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin commended the small countries like the BVI for their first-time victories at the Games.

“Forty-three countries have won medals. Five of these are first-ever medals and they’re all small countries which, to me, is exceptional,” she said.

Seventy-one Commonwealth nations participated in this year’s Games.

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5 Comments

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  1. Laura says:

    So so proud of you Kyron! Been watching your progression since your Coolidge days and you have grown tremendously. There is nothing stopping you from taking that 46.78 world record. WIN, LOSE or DRAW we are behind you…stay humble and keep running hungry! Diamond League is gonna be HOTTT!!

  2. Love this says:

    There is hope for our young men. It’s all about choices. Make the right one. Thanks Kyron. Stay focused.

  3. rick says:

    well done. such an inspiration

  4. Wow says:

    Absolutely Awesome! This young man is representing the BVI well. #BVISTRONG GO KYRON!!!!!!!

  5. Tola says:

    Kyron,every race just remember you have an entire country behind you.No pressure,but your success has been one of the few bright spots since Irma.Our prayers are for a healthy,injury free season.

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