The BVI Olympic Committee welcomed home the territory’s delegation during a press conference on Monday.
The heart of the delegation was athletes J’Maal Alexander and Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, both of whom competed in the 100-metre dash.
Mr. Alexander suffered a hamstring injury during his first heat race and was unable to advance. Ms. Harrigan-Scott ran her fastest time of the season in her heat race, but she didn’t advance, either.
During the press conference, the pair received congratulations from Governor Boyd McCleary, BVIOC President Ephraim Penn and other community members.
Mr. McCleary spoke of what the pair of runners can now offer the youth of the territory.
“I think one of the things learned in London is the concept of legacy — what [is] the legacy of the games,” Mr. McCleary said. “I expect the athletes have a lot to offer young people of the territory.”
Ms. Harrigan-Scott expressed interest in working with younger athletes to increase the Virgin Islands’ presence in future Olympics.
“Actually, I’m planning a camp in February,” she said. “I’m trying to bring other international athletes, some athletes that people look up to; help them get on the same page as the top athletes; teach things on speed, technology, rest. All the things you need to know to get to the next level.”
Despite disappointing results during competition, Mr. Alexander and Ms. Harrigan-Scott talked about what they took from the competition. Mr. Alexander said it was exciting to see some of the other competitors at the Olympics.
“When you’re there and you see [Usain] Bolt and the way he is when he’s training,” Mr. Alexander said. “He trains and then he talks. The other athletes don’t talk much, but the Jamaicans definitely have a different style. For me seeing those big name athletes got kind of distracting. I’d have to remind myself to get back to my senses and concentrate.”
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