Taraji George Represents BVI At Youth Olympics
Sixteen-year-old track athlete Taraji George will be the sole competitor representing the British Virgin Islands at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. She is set to compete in the women's 100m hurdles on November 8. George will be supported in Dakar by Chef de Mission Ericca Frederick and Team Official Tameeka George.
Sixteen-year-old hurdler Taraji George will fly the territory's flag as the sole athlete representing the British Virgin Islands at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. George will compete in the women's 100-meter hurdles against elite young competitors from around the globe.
The BVI Olympic Committee confirmed that George is scheduled to take to the track on November 8 at 10:05 a.m. local BVI time, which corresponds to 2:05 p.m. in Dakar. The global sporting event runs from October 31 through November 13, marking a historic moment as the first Olympic event hosted on the African continent.
Expressing her excitement, George noted that the competition offers a major platform for her development both as an athlete and as an ambassador for the Virgin Islands. She emphasized that the experience extends beyond the race itself, providing opportunities to build international friendships and engage with diverse cultures. "As the only athlete representing the British Virgin Islands, I have the opportunity to showcase my talent and compete alongside some of the best young athletes in the world," George said. "Most importantly, I want to make myself, my mom and my coaches proud.
I'm truly proud and grateful to be a part of this historic moment and to represent my territory on such a big stage. The experience would push me to work even harder towards my goal and achieving greater things in sports." George will travel to Senegal alongside Chef de Mission Ericca Frederick and Team Official Tameeka George.
The official delegation is scheduled to leave the BVI on November 5 and return home on November 15. BVI Olympic Committee President Ephraim Penn arrived in Dakar on October 30 ahead of the official opening ceremony on October 31. George's participation continues a proud tradition of Virgin Islands athletes testing their skills on the world stage, highlighting the ongoing growth and promise of youth track and field in the territory.
Primary source: BVI Platinum