One day after the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, four members of the Virgin Islands team took time to recover from a late night and started training for the upcoming competition.
It is the third consecutive Olympics for 100-metre sprinter, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, and the first Olympic Games for 200-metre runner Ashley Kelly, shot putter Eldred Henry and 16-year-old swimmer Elinah Phillip.
Athletics head coach Winston Potter, swimming coach Benoit Grattepanche and physiotherapist Matt McGrath have athletes’ daily training, physiotherapy and rest schedules in place. All four athletes are on programmes designed to prepare their muscles for peak performances, according to a release sent to this newspaper.
“Today, Sunday was my last day in the weight room,” said Ms. Kelly. “I worked on power stuff – light and fast — before hitting the track. All the work is done, so I am just working on firing up my muscles and getting sharp.”
The delegation of athletes, coaches, physiotherapist, doctor and Chef de Mission Stephanie Russ Penn are in three adjacent apartments in the Olympic Village.
The athletes said the Aug. 5 opening ceremony was a unique experience. Ms. Harrigan Scott highlighted the enthusiasm and warmth of the crowd a stand out for her.
Ms. Kelly had the honour of leading the team as the flag bearer, while entering the Maracana Stadium as the 203rd country out of 207.
The outfit worn by the team reflected the green, white and gold of the territory’s official colors. It included a white dress and a green cardigan for the female participants and a white jacket and pants for the men — both outfits were accented with a blue scarf imprinted with the green, white and gold vigilate.
“We worked with Kristin Frazer, of Trefle Designs, who was a key person in conceptualising the ensemble,” said Ms. Russ Penn. “She was the designer of the dresses and jacket, while the team at Quami’s Sewing design Ltd. assisted in the production of the tailor made outfits. Everyone was excited to be part of this and the BVIOC extends sincere thanks for their support.”
Live coverage of the VI athletes along with regional athletes will be broadcast on CBN Channel 51 and on CBN Radio 90.9 FM. Events take place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and in the evenings from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Former BVIOC President and founder Rey O’Neal will be in the studio to provide live commentary and analysis of the VI athletes’ performances.
The first round of events for the VI athletes is scheduled to take place tomorrow with Ms. Harrigan-Scott in the women’s 100-metre preliminary round. The women’s 100-metre semi-finals and final will take place on Aug. 13.
On Friday, Ms. Phillip will compete in the women’s 50-metre freestyle heats with the semi-finals taking place later that day. The final for the 50-metre freestyle takes place on Aug. 13.
Ms. Kelly will compete in round one of the 200 metres on Aug. 15. The semi-finals will take place on Aug. 16 and the final on Aug. 17.
On Aug. 18, Eldred Henry will be throw the shot put.
Updates on the VI’s athletes will be posted on the BVIOC Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Supporters are encouraged to use the handle #teambvi.
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