In 2012, Nelda Huggins competes in the CAC Junior Championships under-18 girls 100-metres for gold and silver in San Salvador in 2012. (Right) Tynelle Gumbs poses for a photo after winning the National Junior Colleges Athletics Association Indoor Championships last year.

Virgin Islands athletes, Nelda Huggins and Tynelle Gumbs, were recently named national collegiate champions at their respective schools.

In 2012, Nelda Huggins competes in the CAC Junior Championships under-18 girls 100-metres for gold and silver in San Salvador in 2012. (Right) Tynelle Gumbs poses for a photo after winning the National Junior Colleges Athletics Association Indoor Championships last year.
Ms. Huggins is a freshman at Iowa Central State and became the first female Virgin Islander to win an individual title at the collegiate level in the United States. She won the 60-metres dash with a time of 7.31 seconds.

Ms. Gumbs became the 2017 D2 National Indoor Champion in the weight throw with a winning toss of 21.41 metres. She attends the University of Findlay along with her twin sister, Trevia, who also competed and placed ninth in the event with a throw of 18.80 metres.

Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn extended congratulations to the athletes and wished them continued academic and athletic success. The  minister also congratulated their parents and coaches, including Winston Potter and Coach Omar Jones, of the Top Notch Track School, for laying the foundation upon which they continue to build.

“We are proud of our young athletes who continue to perform at a high level of excellence and proudly represent the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Walwyn said. “We will continue to support sports associations like the BVI Athletic Association and athletic clubs as they continue to train and develop our young athletes to compete on the world stage.”

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