Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith made her senior World Athletics Championships debut in Tokyo, Japan, competing in the Women’s 400m Hurdles on Sept. 15. Racing in Heat 1, Lane 1, Smith finished 6th with a time of 56.00 seconds, behind World Leader and winner of the heat Femke Bol from the Netherlands.
Although she did not advance to the semi-finals, Smith’s performance capped off a remarkable and successful season. As the VI Sports Ambassador and a freshman at the University of Georgia, she:
- Won 2 gold medals in the CARIFTA Games, 400m Hurdles and 800m.
- Set a Virgin Islands National record, UGA school record and world-leading time of 54.56 seconds at the Florida Relays.
- Earned SEC runner-up honors in the 400m hurdles and the 4*400m
- Earned the SEC Freshman of the year award
- Won bronze at the NCAA Championships in the 400m hurdles and gold in the 4*400m
- Part of UGA’s SEC Championship winning team
- Part of UGA’s first-ever NCAA National Championship winning team
- Ranked #1 in the World Under 20 in the 400m Hurdles for 2025
- #4 Fastest athlete ever recorded in the Under 20 – 400m Hurdles history in the World
- Claimed silver at the World University Games in Germany
- Claimed silver at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay
Smith’s participation in Tokyo marked a major milestone in her transition from junior to senior international competition. At just 19 years old, she continues to inspire with her poise, talent, and determination.
Her journey this season reflects the growing strength of Virgin Islands athletics on the world stage, and her future remains incredibly bright.
The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation sincerely thanks the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee for their steadfast support and commitment to the advancement of athletics in the Virgin Islands.
VIOC’s dedication has played a vital role in empowering our athletes, enhancing our development programs, and enabling meaningful international representation—most recently at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
St. Croix Source
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