Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith recently showcased her incredible talent by competing in the final of the 400m Hurdles at the prestigious World Athletics U20 Championships held in Lima, Peru. Smith’s journey to the final was impressive, as she not only qualified but also led the way in both the preliminary heats and semifinal races, demonstrating her skill and determination.
In the championship race, Smith displayed remarkable grit and perseverance, ultimately finishing in an admirable 4th place. She was just shy of the podium, trailing behind athletes from France, Poland, and South Africa, who took the top three spots. This performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Smith’s 4th place finish at the world level caps off an exceptionally long and successful season filled with numerous accomplishments. From the beginning of her last school year, she competed in Cross Country, where she played a vital role in helping her team reach the State Championship. Additionally, in November 2023, she represented the Virgin Islands at the Pan American Games, where she finished 4th in the 400m Hurdles, showcasing her consistency and talent on an international stage.
During this year’s Indoor season, Michelle Smith achieved a remarkable 2nd place ranking in the 600m event among high school athletes in the USA. As the outdoor season progressed, she added two more Gold medals to her impressive Carifta collection, excelling in both the 400m Hurdles and the 800m events. Notably, she set a new Virgin Islands record in the 400m Hurdles with an outstanding time of 55.96 seconds.
We are incredibly proud of Michelle Smith’s exceptional performance and eagerly anticipate her continued success in future competitions.