British Virgin Islands long jumper Chantel Malone has expressed her overwhelming pride and joy for her compatriot, Kyron McMaster, who secured a historic silver medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

McMaster's outstanding performance, which marked the first-ever medal for his country at an outdoor global championship, was met with resounding applause from Malone, who has been closely following his journey and triumphs.

McMaster's remarkable journey to the podium, finishing second with a time of 47.34 seconds, behind Norway's Karsten Warholm, resonated deeply with Malone. She reflected on his arduous path, overcoming adversities and injuries, to achieve this monumental milestone:

“I couldn't be happier for Kyron because we have a really close relationship and I've seen some of the struggles that he's been through in terms of dealing with injury and just different shifts and transitions in this sport," said during an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV.

The victory was particularly poignant as it came after the passing of Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels in 2017, adding to the emotional significance of McMaster's achievement. Samuels, who had been McMaster’s coach ever since his days as a youth athlete, was killed in 2017 after falling from a roof during the passage of Hurricane Irma.

"For him to finally be on that podium after 2017 when Coach Dag Samuels passed, it was just amazing,” Malone remarked.

Malone's unwavering support for McMaster was evident, even during a scheduled acupuncture appointment when the finals took place.

“I was actually at an acupuncture appointment and I had needles in my leg. I was like, you need to take these out, 'cause I might end up hurting myself, you know? I was so excited," she revealed.

Tears welled up in Malone's eyes as she witnessed McMaster's dream becoming a reality, recognizing that his silver medal is just a stepping stone towards greater aspirations. "I had tears in my eyes because it was a dream realized and I know he wanted the goal, but that was only a stepping stone towards, you know, accomplishing that ultimate goal,” she said.

Malone emphasized McMaster's exceptional determination and focus, traits that set him apart as a remarkable athlete.

“He is an athlete that is so determined and focused. You don't really see that in younger athletes. I mean, he's getting up there now, but even when he was in 2017, he has always had that mindset of I'll do whatever I need to do to be the best. And that's something that I really admire about him.”

Beyond the celebrations, Malone sees McMaster's success as an inspiration for the youth in the British Virgin Islands, catalyzing a greater drive for support and investment in local athletes:

“Kids will aspire to become like us, and I think that's something that's definitely needed and appreciated in the BVI."

 She expressed her hope that McMaster's medal will galvanize the government and businesses on the island to provide comprehensive backing for athletes' development.

“I hope that this medal at the World Championships helps even businesses in the BVI to want to get behind and rally behind the athletes on the journey, especially towards Paris 2024."

Drawing from her own experiences, Malone, a finalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, shared how McMaster's performance lit a fire within her, rekindling her determination to overcome her injuries and challenges. “The last two years for me have been very shaky. As you know, I've been dealing with injury and so finally coming out of that and finding my foot in again, I'm that his performance just really lit a fire under my butt," she said.

“He's an inspiration to me. Honestly, he's younger than me. But like I said, his drive, his ambition and his mindset are something that I definitely admire. And I hope that other athletes in the BVI and around the world take a page out of his book.”

A quick-fire century from Jordan Johnson and 50s from Joshua Dorne and Tarrique Edward spurred West Indies U19s to an emphatic 195 run ODI victory over Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla on Wednesday. West Indies bowlers, too, played a crucial role in the massive win as Isai Thorne and Deshawn James each took three wickets in the match that saw West Indies level the series 1-1.

Batting first, West Indies scored 320 all out from their 50 overs, thanks to the efforts of Johnson, who laid the platform for the match-winning score. He made 105 from just 79 balls and hit 12 fours and three sixes while featuring in a third-wicket partnership of 160 from just 131 balls with Dorne, who scored a relatively patient 56 from 73 balls hitting the boundary six times along the way.

Edward chipped in with a crucial 53 that helped push the West Indies towards 300 runs through a 60-run partnership with Nathan Edward, who scored 13.  Opener Adrian Weir scored 32 and was the principal scorer in a second-wicket stand of 41 with Dorne.

Sineth Jayawardena was the best of the Sri Lankan bowlers with 4-36.

Needing to score at 6.4 runs an over, Sri Lanka’s batters wilted under the pressure collapsing to 40-6 in the 14^th over. Only a 46-run partnership between Malsha Tharupathi and Supun Waduge held up the West Indies attack and got the home side closer to the 100-run mark.

They were eventually bowled out for 125 in the 31^st over to hand the West Indies victory.

Thorne finished with the impressive figures of 3-18 while James took 3-30. Nathan Edward chipped in with 2-17.

The teams will clash in a decider on Friday, September 1.

In a historic and heartwarming gesture, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) announced today, Monday, August 28, that they will be rewarding the stellar achievements of Jamaica's netball players with JMD$1 million each (about USD$6000) for their triumphant performance at the Netball World Cup, where they clinched the bronze medal.

The JOA's rewarding initiative encompasses a comprehensive approach, aiming to not only honor the team's success but also contribute to their future financial stability. Each player from the bronze medal-winning team will receive JMD$1 million from a joint reward from Supreme Ventures Limited and Mayberry Investments.

The JMD$13 million in rewards will go towards funding investment accounts at Mayberry Investments for each medallist. The funds will be under management at Mayberry Investments for a period of three years or until the athlete's retirement from netball, whichever comes earlier.

The announcement, made at the JOA headquarters on Cunningham Avenue in Kingston on Monday, August 28, marks a momentous occasion as the JOA has never before rewarded a team and their coach for their exceptional performances. Following the Tokyo Olympics, the JOA had rewarded the track and field athletes a total of JMD$45 million.

This unprecedented decision is a testament to the remarkable journey and victories of the Jamaican netball team. Over the years, they have showcased their prowess, securing victories like the CAC gold, which ultimately culminated in their monumental success at the Netball World Cup.

Ryan Foster, General Secretary of the JOA, expressed the significance of this moment and the association's pride in the team's accomplishments:

"Today, the Jamaica Olympic Association celebrates and acknowledges your achievements on the court but we also want to reward them. We have watched with pride over the years of the success and progress made by our Sunshine Girls and are elated that we have been a part of that journey along with our partners SVL and Mayberry."

Foster recounted the dedication of the team and the vital role that the JOA, along with its partners, played in supporting the sport's resurgence after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic:

"I remember when President (Tricia) Robinson came to us seeking ways to restart the sport after COVID and the most important goal was to get the Elite League and the National League going, and the JOA along with SVL and Marathon have invested over JMD$9 million in the restart of the Netball leagues."

Highlighting the team's historic accomplishments, Mr. Foster emphasized that the bronze medal at the World Cup was the perfect culmination of their remarkable journey:

"Following upon the Commonwealth Games, Caribbean Games, and CAC, all historic performances, it was only fitting that the icing on the cake was the World Cup. The JOA and our partners salutes you and your contribution to Jamaican pride, sports prowess, and generally being great ambassadors of not only yourselves but also of the JOA and our partners."

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Coach Connie Francis, Mr. Foster announced a reward of JMD$2 million for her extraordinary leadership.

"For the signal work done by Coach Connie Francis, the JOA will reward the coach extraordinaire with an amount of $2 million," Foster said.

Recognizing the strength of their netball family, the JOA extended a helping hand to Latanya, contributing $1M towards her recovery. Wilson recently lost her home and all her personal belongings including her trophies and medals when arsonists set her home on fire.

"It is in times of distress and crisis that we see the heart of our family, and Latanya, you are family. With that said, the JOA will contribute JMD$1 million towards your road to recovery."

As the JOA, SVL, and Mayberry unite to celebrate the achievements of the Sunshine Girls, Foster assured that the journey is far from over, with the promise of continuous collaboration and support.

"Life is what you make it. Journeys are made to be explored and memories last a lifetime. Your memorable accomplishments have warmed our hearts, and similarly, when you were to restart the sport, we will continue the journey hand in hand, a marriage that won’t be broken."

Foster extended gratitude to SVL and Mayberry for their partnership and dedication to the athletes' success, foreshadowing further exciting announcements as the journey towards the Olympic year continues.

Jamaican runner Aisha Praught-Leer's commitment to athletes' rights and her passion for propelling track and field to greater heights are the reasons behind her decision to seek re-election to the World Athletics Athletes Commission.

Praught-Leer was re-elected to the commission during the recently concluded 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Praught-Leer's credentials as the 2018 Commonwealth Games 3000m steeplechase champion and her continuous advocacy for athletes' rights have made her a respected and influential figure within the sporting community. Her first election to the Athletes Commission in 2019 marked the beginning of her active involvement in shaping the future of the sport she holds dear.

Explaining her motivation for seeking re-election, Praught-Leer shared, "I decided to seek re-election because I see the sport of track and field ascending back to the top in global popularity. Track and Field is the number one Olympic Sport and now the number four most popular global sport. As our world becomes more fast-paced, we as athletes should expect lots of change and innovation, which I support as long as Athlete’s rights are respected and Athlete earning potential continues in step with the sport’s growth."

First elected in 2019, her dedication to athletes' well-being and rights has been evident in her numerous contributions during her first term in the Athletes Commission.

"As part of the Athlete's Commission I have spoken up to restore all events to the Diamond League, advocated to freeze World Ranking during the Covid Pandemic, pushed for financial assistance for those in the greatest need during the Pandemic, consulted with the AIU in support of anti-doping and safeguarding, supported innovative rule changes like 'Big Q' Only qualification rounds in middle and long distances, served on the Human Rights Working Group to establish a decision-making framework for WA to respect human rights in our sport and served on the World Plan implementation Working Group to help all Areas and Member Federations grow the sport on their home soil," she said.

Praught-Leer's active involvement and her unwavering advocacy have made her a respected voice within the global athletics community. Her re-election is a testament to the impact she has had and the work she plans to continue.

"I have been a very active and outspoken member of the group and I believe my peers re-elected me to continue the work of the last four years. A future priority of mine is to ensure fair play, protect the female category for future generations of female athletes and continue to be a helping hand to our Jamaican Athletes."

Jamaica picked up a silver medal on the final day of competition at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Sunday.

Jamaica’s team of Candice McLeod, Janieve Russell, Nickisha Pryce and Stacey-Ann Williams, ran bravely and led for much of the race before Femke Bol got by Williams five metres out from the finish line to win gold in 3:20.72.

Jamaica clocked 3:20.88 while Great Britain was third in 3:21.04. This medal was Jamaica’s 12^th of the championships.

Their men were expected to contend for a medal in the 4x400m relay but they were run out of it and finished fourth in a season-best 2:59.34.

The USA won gold in a world-leading time of 2:57.31. France ran a national record 2:58.45 for the silver medal with Great Britain taking bronze having run 2:58.71, a season’s best time.

Meanwhile, Lamara Distin finished fifth in the high jump competition. Having cleared 1.94m to put herself in the hunt for medals, Distin failed in her three attempts at 1.97m and bowed out of the competition.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh of the Ukraine took gold with a clearance of 2:01 with Australia’s Eleanor Patterson taking the silver with 1.99m.

Patterson’s teammate Nicola Olyslagers claimed the bronze with 1.99m.

Morgan Lake of Great Britain was fourth having cleared 1.97.

Jamaica with 12 medals – three gold, five silver and four bronze medals – finished fourth at the championships.

Kenya’s Mary Moraa won a thrilling 800m final on Sunday’s final day of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary

Against a stacked field, Moraa ran a tactically brilliant race staying on the shoulder of the USA’s Athing Mu, the 2022 world champion, before powering past her down the home stretch to take victory in 1:56.02.

Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson, who stayed off the pace for most of the race, stormed through to overtake Mu late and take silver in 1:56.34.

Mu, who has raced sparingly this season, finishing third in 1:56.61.

Jamaica’s Adelle Tracey, who clocked a lifetime best 1:58.99 in her semi-final, produced another lifetime best of 1:58.41 for seventh place.

Dominica's Thea LaFond made her mark on history during the fiercely contested women's triple jump at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Despite finishing fifth, LaFond's performance was nothing short of remarkable, as she broke her own national record not once, but twice during the competition, with jumps of 14.71m and 14.90m. These marks would have secured her a medal in most world championships, highlighting the level of competition she faced.

 The women's triple jump event was a showcase of unparalleled athleticism and grit, with Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela securing her fourth world title with a leap of 15.08m on her final jump. The competition was defined by its intensity, with Rojas narrowly making the final round of jumps after initially being tied for eighth. Ukraine's Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk clinched the silver medal with a season's best of 15.00m, while Cuba's Leyanis Perez-Hernandez secured the bronze with a jump of 14.96m.

 Jamaica's Shanieka Ricketts, a two-time world championship silver medalist, claimed fourth place with a season's best of 14.93m, while Cuba's Liadagmis Povea's best effort of 14.87m placed her in sixth position in the closely contested contest.

 Reflecting on her remarkable journey, LaFond expressed the historic significance of the event.

 "So the competition was really, honestly like history making, to be honest. I mean, you're talking about probably the hardest women's triple term final in the history of the World Championships and it was it was a battle and I'm happy to be part of it and as happy as able to fight, but it was definitely a battle," she said.

 LaFond acknowledged the work she had put in to refine her technique leading up to the event.

 "Earlier this year we did talk about working on different parts of the phases and to the question of did it all come together at the right time, honestly, no. I mean that 1490 was not a perfect jump. It was far from it, which only tells me that there's more left in the tank and I'm excited to see what comes next," she told Sportsmax.TV.

 While her performance would have secured a medal in most years, LaFond faced the challenge of competing in a highly competitive field. "To be honest, 14.90m would have won a medal any year and it's like it's definitely frustrating, you know, but it is quite an honor to be competing in the sport at the height of the sport, truly. But yeah, it's a tough reality."

LaFond candidly expressed her feelings about the thrilling finale of the competition, where Rojas clinched victory with her final jump.

 "It was definitely, I don't even know if the word is deflating. It was just kind of annoying," she confessed. "She was definitely the most vulnerable she's ever looked in the competition, definitely in any major championships, but definitely not deflating. Annoying definitely, but there's nothing deflating over here."

 Amidst the intense competition and emotions, LaFond highlighted the remarkable progression of the sport.

 "Six women over 14.80m. That just means that our sport is getting insane and we're definitely pushing the limits to what people even thought the sport could be," she said.

"And to see so many women, so, so many minority women at that, I'm at the top of the sport. It's really a great feeling. And I really hope that you know, other, you know, little brown girls around the world are finding inspiration through what we do."

Shericka Jackson defended her 200m world title on Friday at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Having lost the 100m final on Monday, Jackson left it all on the track on Friday, storming away from the stacked field to win in 21.41, breaking her own championship record of 21.45 set in Oregon in 2022. The time is also a new national record.

Jackson now has the second and third fastest times ever in the event.

In Jackson’s wake was American Gabby Thomas who clocked 21.81 for the silver medal. Sha'Carri Richardson, the 100m champion, picked up her second medal of the championships running a personal best 21.92 for bronze.

Julien Alfred of St Lucia, fifth in the 100m final, finished fourth in 22.05 while Daryll Neita of Great Britain ran a personal best 22.16 for fifth place.

Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas finished sixth in 22.29 with Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain close behind in 22.34.

Marie Jose Ta Lou was eighth in 22.64.

Jackson was winning Jamaica's third gold medal in Budapest and ninth medal overall.

USA, Jamaica, Japan advanced to the final of the 4x100m relay on Friday.

In a keenly contested semi-final heat, the USA team of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Brendon Barnes and JT Smith, just managed to hold off the Jamaican quartet of Ackeem Blake, Oblique Seville, Ryeim Forde and Rohan Watson to win in a what was briefly a world-leading time 37.67.

It was a blanket finish that saw the Jamaicans close behind in 37.68 and the Japanese foursome of Ryuichiro Sakai, Hiroki Yanagita, Yuki Koike and Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, who were third in 37.71.

That world-leading time by the USA lasted mere minutes as Italy’s team of Roberto Rigali, Lamont Jacobs, Lorenzo Patta and Fillippo Tortu stormed to victory in the second heat in 37.65. South Africa’s team of Shaun Maswangnayi, Benjamin Richardson, Clarence Munyai, and Akani Simbine close behind in 37.72.

Great Britain was third in 38.01.

Brazil who ran 38.19 and France 37.98 are also through to the final.

Jamaica’s Lamara Distin advanced from the qualifying round of the Women’s high jump competition on Friday. However, her teammate Kimberly Williamson was eliminated.

The 23-year-old Commonwealth Games champion, who has been slightly off her best form this season, cleared 1.92m to advance from Group A along with medal favourite Yaroslava Mahuchikh of the Ukraine. Distin began jumping at a height of 1.80 and had a miss at 1.89m. She eventually cleared that height and then soared over 1.92m.

American Vashti Cunningham advanced from Group B alongside Australia’s medal prospect Nicola Olyslagers and Urkaine’s Iryna Geranshcenko.

Williamson’s best effort was 1.85m, which despite being a season’s best performance, was not good enough to see her advance.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the 400m finals at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday, Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards found himself on the sidelines, watching the race unfold rather than participating in the fierce competition.

Richards' journey in the championships had been marred by a debilitating foot injury that forced him to bow out of the semi-finals, dampening his hopes for glory.

On Tuesday, August 22, Richards' campaign took an unexpected turn as he finished fifth in his semi-final heat with a time of 44.77. Incidentally, Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, the eventual gold medallist, won that heat in a lifetime best of 44.13.

For Richards, the disappointment of not being able to deliver for his country weighed heavily, prompting him to share his emotions on social media.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Richards expressed his gratitude despite the setback:

"In all things, give thanks and praise to God. Although I exerted maximum effort, it fell short today (Tuesday). These past three weeks have been challenging. During the national championships in the 200m event, I unfortunately suffered a torn plantar fascia and had to make a difficult decision of not participating in the final."

The injury was a blow to Richards, particularly since he values competing for his fans, especially his beloved family and friends, at the national championships. Determined to overcome this hurdle, Richards embarked on a rigorous journey to stay fit and prepared for the World Championships:

"Over the course of two long weeks, I engaged in pool workouts, mat runs, and cycling to maintain my fitness," he said.

Richards extended heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals who played a pivotal role in his recovery and ability to compete at the World Championships:

"I am grateful for the exceptional medical support system that helped me navigate through this arduous journey. Special thanks to Dr Anyl Gopeesingh, Shaun Kettle, Alban Nicole, Keston Bledman, Lance Brauman, and Jerrica."

Navigating through uncertainty, Richards' determination and resilience shone as he found a way to grace the World Championships despite the challenges:

"Initially uncertain if I would be able to compete at the World Championships, by the grace of God I made it there. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and prayed for me. I deeply appreciate your unwavering support. I will strive to continue giving my best to Trinidad and Tobago."

World 100m champion Noah Lyles remained on course for the sprint double after winning his semi-final heat in a fast 19.76s at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Thursday. Also through are Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Letsile Tebogo, the other medallists in the blue-ribbon sprint.

After initilally failing to progress with compatriot Rasheed Dwyer, Andrew Hudson was added to the medal event which will now see all nine lanes being occupied.

Lyles unleashed his superior speed and put distance between himself and Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic who clocked in at 20.22 to seal his spot in the final.

Meanwhile, Tebogo show-boated down the home stretch looking across at Kenneth Bednarek of the United States, who won the heat in 19.96, with the Botswanian close behind in 19.97.

The USA’s Erriyon Knighton is also in the final after winning his heat in 19.98 with Hughes close behind in 20.02. Four athletes from the heat advanced to the final as Canada’s Andre DeGrasse (20.10) and Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh (20.21) took the spots for non-automatic qualifiers.

Hudson, who was fifth in his heat in 20.38, almost didn’t compete as the cart taking to the stadium collided with another and resulted in flying glass getting into his eye. As such, the officials felt it was only fair to give him a lane in the final.

Dwyer was sixth in the final heat in 20.49.

Shericka Jackson, Julien Alfred and Anthonique Strachan have made it through to the final of the Women’s 200m final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary on Thursday.

The fastest of the three, Shericka Jackson, threw down the gauntlet to the 100m champion, the USA’s Shacarri Richardson, with a confident run to win her semi-final heat. Jackson ‘jogged’ to a time of 22.00 to leave the American 100m champion behind in 22.20. Marie Jose Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast who was third in 22.26 is also qualifier in a non-automatic spot.

However, the fastest overall heading into the final is the USA’s Gabby Thomas, who won the opening semi-final heat in 21.96. Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith also made it through to the final when she finished second in 22.28. However, it was the end of the campaign for Jamaica’s Natalliah Whyte who was third in 22.52.

Alfred of St Lucia had to briefly turn on the jets after Great Britain’s Daryll Neita who got out well in lane eight. However, the NCAA champion surged ahead down the home straight to win the heat in 22.17 with Neita close behind in 22.21. Strachan was third in 22.30 to take her place in the final.

Both Kayla White of the USA and Kevona Davis were fourth and fifth, respectively, in 22.34 and miss out on the final.

In a poignant moment that encapsulated the emotional depth of his victory, Kyron McMaster paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Jocelyn, after securing a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. The 26-year-old hurdler from the British Virgin Islands not only etched his name into the annals of his country's athletics history but also dedicated his triumph to the person who stood unwaveringly by his side throughout his journey.

As the first athlete from the British Virgin Islands to clinch a medal at an outdoor global athletics championship, McMaster's achievement was laden with significance. Yet, amidst the jubilation and celebrations that followed his silver medal win in the 400m hurdles, McMaster's first instinct was to honor his mother's enduring support.

“Basically, it goes back to the early beginnings. My mom used to wake up 4:30 in the mornings, drop me at training with Coach Dag Samuels. So she’s been there from the beginning and made a lot of sacrifices. She’s been there. She understands me. She understands what I wanted to achieve, my paps, too, he understood, everybody understood.”

On the occasion of her birthday, McMaster walked over to his mother and gently placed the replica silver medal around her neck, saying ‘Mom, this is for you’. The act was a poignant gesture of appreciation, a tangible symbol of gratitude for her steadfast presence, and a reflection of the sacrifices she had made along his path to success.

The silver medal, achieved with a remarkable time of 47.34 seconds in the 400m hurdles, not only marked McMaster's personal triumph but also a moment of profound connection between a son and his mother. With tears of joy and pride shining in both their eyes, McMaster's tribute encapsulated the depth of his gratitude for her sacrifices and encouragement, even during the times when success seemed elusive.

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, McMaster shared: "It meant a lot. A lot because my mom’s been to a few of my games where we wanted to deliver a medal and I just couldn’t deliver for her at certain points. I didn’t want her to fly to Budapest for nothing. That would have broken my heart if I couldn’t deliver again, but she is going home with a silver medal."

McMaster's journey to this remarkable achievement was marked by challenges and setbacks, including previous global disappointments. A two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Diamond League champion, McMaster had, prior to Wednesday, always came up short on the global stage.

At the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon he suffered a hamstring injury during the preliminary rounds and took no further part in the competition. At the championships in 2017, he was disqualified. In Doha in 2019, he was fourth and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics he was also fourth in a time of 47.08, a time that would have won him gold in every other Olympic year except for that year and in 1992 when Kevin Young ran a world record 46.78 to win.

However, this time, he broke free from the shadow of past struggles to secure his place on the podium.

The silver medal, earned behind Norway's Karsten Warholm's gold-winning performance, resonates as a testament to McMaster's resilience and his mother's unyielding support. Through this touching tribute, the hurdler's win becomes a shared victory—a celebration not just of his athletic prowess, but also of the bond between a son and the woman who helped shape his path to glory

Marileidy Paulino created history on Wednesday when she stormed to victory in the final of Women’s 400m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

After winning silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and again at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the 26–year-old from Don Gregorio Village in the Dominican Republic blew away the field down the home stretch to clock a massive lifetime best of 48.77 for victory and become the first woman from her country to win a gold medal in that event at the championships that began in 1983.

Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek won silver running 49.57, just managing to hold off Barbados Sada Williams, who ran 49.60 for her second bronze medal in as medal championships.

Williams created some history of her own as no athlete from Barbados had ever won medals in back-to-back championships.

Candice McLeod of Jamaica ran 51.08 for seventh.

Paulino, a two-time silver medalist in the event, took advantage of the absence of Shauna Miller-Uibo and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to cop the first global gold medal of her international career.