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McMaster wins VI’s first Commonwealth Games gold!

- triumphs in final of Men’s 400m Hurdles
Virgin Islander Kyron A. McMaster inspired millions when he stormed to the gold medal in the 400m Hurdles Final at the Commonwealth Games in Australia on April 12, 2018. Photo: Getty Images
Kyron A. McMaster proudly displays the flag of the [British] Virgin Islands following a historic Commonwealth Games gold on April 12, 2018. Photo: Getty Images
Kyron A. McMaster proudly displays the flag of the [British] Virgin Islands following a historic Commonwealth Games gold on April 12, 2018. Photo: Getty Images
Champion hurdler Kyron A. McMaster lost his coach Xavier Dag Samuels, right, tragically to Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Champion hurdler Kyron A. McMaster lost his coach Xavier Dag Samuels, right, tragically to Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Virgin Islands gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia, Kyron A. McMaster, left, takes a photo with a part of the Virgin Islands contingent that includes President of the BVI Olympic Committee Mr Ephraim Penn, centre, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), 2nd from right. Photo: Provided
Virgin Islands gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia, Kyron A. McMaster, left, takes a photo with a part of the Virgin Islands contingent that includes President of the BVI Olympic Committee Mr Ephraim Penn, centre, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), 2nd from right. Photo: Provided
QUEENSLAND, Australia- In what has captured the hearts of athletes and fans around the globe, hurdler Kyron A. McMaster, who lost his coach Xavier Dag Samuels tragically to Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017, won the first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal for the [British] Virgin Islands.

McMaster, 21, was the favourite to win the medal after qualifying for the final as the fastest, with a time of 48:78.

And on April 12, 2018 the youngster inspired millions when he stormed to the gold medal in 48:25 seconds, the only athlete to dip under 49 seconds.

Running in lane 5, McMaster took a convincing win ahead of Jeffery Gibson of the Bahamas who clocked 49.10 and Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica who captured bronze with a time of 49:16.

It is in fact the first Commonwealth Games medal of any colour for the tiny British Overseas Territory of some 30,000 people.

McMaster's historic victory was no doubt an emotional one, having to pick himself up and relocating to the United States following the death of coach Samuels.

Under the late Mr Samuels, McMaster improved his personal best by more than 1.5 seconds in 2017 and claimed the IAAF Diamond League title.

"I still think and talk about him every day," McMaster said after the race.

"I even got a tattoo (on my inner arm) made of his favourite phrase, which was 'guidance'. Every day I look at it and it acts as motivation."

Many fans took to social media, including Facebook and Twitter to congratulate McMaster on the wonderful achievement and expressed how inspired they have been by his journey.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online extend hearty congratulations to Mr Kyron A. McMaster on his Commonwealth Games 2018 Gold Medal feat.

See link to video of race posted on Facebook:

https://web.facebook.com/steve.parillon/videos/10155450071477308/

No automatic alt text available.

39 Responses to “McMaster wins VI’s first Commonwealth Games gold!”

  • Tiara (12/04/2018, 07:38) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great job young man. Making the BVI proud.
  • okay (12/04/2018, 07:41) Like (78) Dislike (1) Reply
    THIS ONE IS FOR DAG
  • A Parent (12/04/2018, 07:43) Like (60) Dislike (0) Reply
    So proud of you. As I sit here and type I type with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart as if thou you were my own and the inspiration you are to others. Your humbleness at the end of the race captured my spirit the most. Continue being humble and true to your beliefs. Congrats!!
  • fame (12/04/2018, 07:43) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tears!!! BVI proud!!!! Congrats Kyron, you have inspired us all!!!!!
  • Big Up (12/04/2018, 07:44) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    IVB yo large
  • it isn't over yet (12/04/2018, 07:45) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    We're eagerly waiting on the Gumbs and Skelton to bring medals also
  • See (12/04/2018, 07:57) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow ! Real stuff . Awesome
  • tola (12/04/2018, 08:02) Like (38) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord,countinue to bless this young man as he does great things for the BVI.
  • chad (12/04/2018, 08:15) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Goat!
    Keep it up.
  • vi (12/04/2018, 08:43) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow so proud
  • RedStorm (12/04/2018, 08:49) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesome race! Love the push you give at the hurdles. I suggest the government should name a street with your name " Mc Master boulevard, Mc Master Avenue" or Kyron Mc Master street. It should be etched in history not only in the books but in the places and things of the country. Congratulations!
    • Krazy (12/04/2018, 10:56) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, I agree, start with a permanent billboard in the center of the roundabout in town.
  • voiceofthevoiceless (12/04/2018, 09:01) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    284 to the Worlllllddddd!!!

    Congrats Kyron! Stay humble and focused! Next step Olympic Gold!
  • Yayy (12/04/2018, 09:02) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    CONGRATSSSSSS!!!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
  • Mountain Dew (12/04/2018, 09:35) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tears in my eyes great job all isn’t lost thanks young man
  • Adic (12/04/2018, 09:38) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that’s what I’m talking about.BVI4LIFE!
  • guy hill (12/04/2018, 09:41) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Always continue to do your very best son.
  • Proud BVI (12/04/2018, 09:41) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    “Guidance” was Coach Dag’s favorite saying. I can see him as humble as ever smiling with pride. We too the BVI is so proud of this great achievement. I never stood at attention for the National anthem but this morning I did. Congrats Kyron and the BVI.
  • BlackButterfly (12/04/2018, 10:15) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI Strong!! This is great for the VI right about now! Keep soaring! God is Good!
  • VG (12/04/2018, 10:16) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI STRONG STRONG STRONG
  • BVI STRONG (12/04/2018, 10:21) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Finally, some Great...no...Awesome news on the media. BVI is resilient and will come back strong again if it's people stay together and push one another. Great job McMaster, the BVI is super proud of you and your accomplishments. Keep your great spirit alive. Let us all celebrate with you!!!!!!
  • 1 (12/04/2018, 11:07) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    let get the motorcade going
    • Yes for sure (12/04/2018, 14:52) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      @1 for sure, he need a a hometown motorcade when he comes back.
  • I knew. It (12/04/2018, 11:57) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    I knew he was going to ace it. That is the one that is going to put Tortola on the World Wide Map big time when he get the Olympics Gold Medal. I am soooooo happy for my hometown hero.
  • Just woke. (12/04/2018, 12:35) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Great. Not surprised. Expect that and more. He made a great decision to get his coaching in Jamaica. Stay away from America coaches and colleges.. They Agenda is to cripple Caribbean athletes...To maintain America Dominance... Coach Doc is Smiling Now.. I'm feeling so happy. Keeping working Mac..
    • ausar (12/04/2018, 21:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Just Woke," I agree with you

      Stick with the Caribbean food and training and youll be OK
    • Me (12/04/2018, 23:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      So true, keep the Caribbean coaches, Bolt’s coach will help you bring the rest home!!
  • Lord O. Makes me think of Myron.. (12/04/2018, 12:45) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is excellent. Great news. Why are the commentators describing the BVI as Non existence.. The description is so inaccurate and bad for business. Brings me back to what Myron keep talking about " We are not good at communicating our message our story from government to emergency to Tourism and in the absence of that people form their own conclusion..
  • Normalcy (12/04/2018, 13:18) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    My eyes filled up with water as he crossed that finish line.... Dag would have been proud. And for once we put some blows on some Jamaicans.... lol
  • Normalcy (12/04/2018, 13:23) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    And to all the other athletes (Chantel, Gumbs twins, Eldread, Ashley), you have made the Virgin Islands proud as well.
  • Tears are TRULY GOD'S Language (12/04/2018, 14:14) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I cried with happiness and pride watching your first overseas win because you moved with a hunger to win. I then saw you and Coach Dag pictured with humble, victorious smiles and thought about how awesome it would be if you two would be our Olympic success story. Then I cried when we lost your respected coach and hoped that you would continue to excel. Tears of happiness and pride flowed from my eyes as I watched you move with stealth as your long legs left the rest in the distance when you crossed that finish line!

    Congratulations and thank you for the injection of positivity that we need during these difficult times in our territory. Continue to do well! Awesome performance and showmanship!!
  • imagine (12/04/2018, 15:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If all the young men from this territory aspire to be that positive what a great place it would be.....but i was just my imagination. Congrats young man. Safe trip to your home..
  • Elated (12/04/2018, 15:52) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so over the moon. Congratulations young man. I knew you were going to do it. Such a humble well discipline focus young man. Coach Dag is looking down on you smiling. Kyron, when you get to Olympics Stadium, I will be right there chearing you on.
  • cay (12/04/2018, 16:04) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need a stamp to honor this yute
  • Eagle Eye (12/04/2018, 18:01) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    The boy is a beast
  • The TRUTH (12/04/2018, 21:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's what i'm talking about... we have so much talent in ways you won't imagine.... let's put our house in order...stop making the tail wag the dog...congratulations to Kyron...show them the true meaning of " and a little child shall lead them".....
  • ad (13/04/2018, 04:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hard work and talent.


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