Virgin Islands athlete, the late David ‘Jackie’ Todman has been recognised as one of the few outstanding all-around athletes in the territory.
Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn heralded Mr. Todman for consistent exceptional performances in a variety of sports in the territory, including cricket, football, softball, and track and field events.
“The Virgin Islands has lost an outstanding all-around sportsmen and lover of athletics,” Mr. Walwyn said. “Mr. Todman’s ability to compete at a high level in whichever sport he chose, exemplifies true sportsman ability and athletic power.”
Mr. David Todman or Jackie, as he was affectionately called, enjoyed a long career in cricket, was an all-rounder, a strong batter having scored a century in the Shield Competition, and a consistent bowler. He also exhibited excellence in softball and was known to play every position with skill and ease although he settled on shortstop later in his career with the Tigers.
He played football when the game did not have a league, and initiated matches with the United Kingdom Navy while in port.
“Mr. Todman clearly had an aptitude for any sport he put his mind to and his record speaks for itself,” said Mr. Walwyn. “Such dedication and commitment to sports at a time when there was little or no monetary reward, speaks highly about him.”
Mr. Walwyn added that Mr. Todman should be eligible to be placed in the VI Sports Hall of Fame as he is a one of a kind sportsman and a shining example of playing “for the love of the sport.”
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