Premier, Minister Praise Hodge’s Historic Wins
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Education Minister Sharie de Castro have congratulated Adaejah Hodge after her record-breaking performances at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Hodge set a collegiate and under-20 world record of 10.63 seconds in the 100m semi-final and won the 200m national title in an NCAA-record 21.68 seconds.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Education Minister Sharie de Castro joined Virgin Islanders in celebrating Adaejah Hodge after her historic performances at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon earlier this month. Hodge produced one of the standout displays of collegiate athletics, running 10.63 seconds in the 100-metre semi-final to set a new collegiate and under-20 world record, then capturing the NCAA national title in the 200 metres with a 21.68-second run that broke the NCAA record.
In a statement, Dr Wheatley called Hodge's accomplishments 'performances that will be remembered for generations' and praised her for lifting the Virgin Islands flag to new heights. The Premier added that her success shows 'that no matter the size of the country you come from, you can step forward with courage and achieve greatness,' calling her journey 'a beacon of hope' for young people in the territory.
Education Minister Sharie de Castro took to social media to commend Hodge's discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence, saying the athlete had brought honour to the Virgin Islands and served as an inspiration to youth across the islands. Hodge's results in Eugene — a 10.63 in the 100m, and a 21.68 in the 200m to claim the national title — mark a major milestone for a young athlete from a small territory and have drawn widespread attention at home and abroad.
Local sports officials and community members have praised her technical speed, competitive temperament and the work of coaches who helped prepare her for top-level competition. Government statements emphasised that the territory stands firmly behind Hodge and expressed confidence she will continue to excel as her athletics career progresses.
Officials and community leaders said her achievements highlight the potential of BVI athletes on the international stage and can inspire a new generation of competitors. For residents, Hodge's success underscores the value of youth sport and the opportunities that scholarship programmes and overseas competition can create.
Her performances may prompt renewed discussions about support for athletics development, training facilities and coaching in the Virgin Islands so more young athletes can follow her example. As the territory celebrates, many will be watching Hodge's next steps with optimism — both for her individual career and for the wider boost her victories could bring to sport and youth development in the BVI.
Primary source: BVI News