BVI U20 4x100m Sets National Record
The British Virgin Islands U20 men's 4x100m relay team set a new national record of 40.70 seconds at the U20 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, qualifying for the final. The final, held on August 9, 2026, was won by the USA with Great Britain second and Jamaica third.
The British Virgin Islands U20 men's 4x100m relay team produced a landmark performance at the U20 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 40.70 seconds to set a new national record. The quartet finished seventh overall in the heats but did enough to secure a place in the final, giving the territory a rare showpiece appearance on the global stage.
The championship final took place on August 9, 2026, where Team USA took the gold medal, Great Britain finished second and Jamaica third. While the BVI team did not medal, their national record and qualification for the final remain a significant achievement for the territory's athletics programme.
After the record-breaking run, Carter reflected on the team's focus and preparation. "It was a good race. The main focus was to pass the baton around and try to get into the finals…We have been working hard just for this moment, so, I’m grateful," he said, underlining the discipline and teamwork that produced the result.
Jackson, competing in Eugene, described the experience as "good", noting that the U20 World Championships was both his first and — because of age eligibility — his last at this level. "I’m proud to represent my country. It’s a good start off point for me," he said, pointing to senior-level ambitions after his U20 campaign.
Charles said competing in an older, more experienced atmosphere pushed him to his limits. "I like that," he said, acknowledging the benefit of testing himself against the world’s best in his age group. Lennard-Joseph agreed, calling the event the biggest athletic competition he has participated in and noting that, like Jackson, it was his first and final U20 World Championships.
For BVI residents, the relay team's national record is a reminder of the growing talent emerging from the territory. Achievements on the world stage boost the profile of local athletics, inspire younger athletes, and highlight the importance of sustained investment in coaching, training facilities and competition opportunities.
The performance in Eugene gives the BVI a platform to build on as these young sprinters transition to senior ranks. Local fans and athletics stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the quartet and other rising stars progress, and how the territory can capitalise on this momentum to develop future international contenders.
Primary source: VINO