Michelle Smith, the exceptional freshman track and field star from the U.S. Virgin Islands, has added two prestigious honors to her growing list of achievements at the University of Georgia. Smith was named Freshman of the Year and recognized for the Most Inspirational Performance following a record-breaking debut season that captivated fans and elevated her team to historic heights.
Smith, who hails from Frederiksted, St. Croix, made headlines throughout the 2025 collegiate season with her exceptional performances in the 400-meter hurdles. She shattered Georgia’s school record at the Florida Relays with a time of 54.56 seconds, a mark that also set a new Virgin Islands national record and ranked her among the fastest Under-20 athletes in the world. Her consistency and poise earned her the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman Runner of the Year, making her the first Virgin Islander to claim this distinction.
The Most Inspirational Performance award came after Smith’s standout showing at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Despite being a freshman, she delivered a clutch third-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles and was part of Georgia’s 4x400m relay team victory, helping secure the Bulldogs’ first-ever women’s national outdoor title. Her resilience and leadership under pressure were widely praised by coaches and teammates alike.
Beyond her collegiate success, Smith represented the Virgin Islands on the global stage, competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and earning medals at the CARIFTA Games, World University Games, and Junior Pan American Games. Her journey from Caribbean youth competitions to NCAA stardom underscores her role as a trailblazer for Virgin Islands athletics.
As the Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador, Smith continues to inspire young athletes across the region. Her story is one of talent, determination, and breaking barriers—a true testament to what can be achieved when opportunity meets relentless drive.
St. Croix Source
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