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UPDATE: It's official! McMaster & Malone named Senior VI Athletes of 2017

Hurdler Kyron A. McMaster, left, and longer jumper Chantel E. Malone, right, have been named the BVIAA Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year respectively for 2017. Photo: Provided
While no list has been published by the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA), Chantel E. Malone, left, and Kyron A. McMaster, right, would be the hot contenders for Senior Female and Male Athletes of the Year respectively. Photo: VINO/Internet Source
While no list has been published by the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA), Chantel E. Malone, left, and Kyron A. McMaster, right, would be the hot contenders for Senior Female and Male Athletes of the Year respectively. Photo: VINO/Internet Source
Kyron A. McMaster's stellar season was made bitter-sweet with the subsequent passing of his coach and father figure, Xavier Samuels aka 'Dag', left. Photo: Provided/File
Kyron A. McMaster's stellar season was made bitter-sweet with the subsequent passing of his coach and father figure, Xavier Samuels aka 'Dag', left. Photo: Provided/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) has officially announced that Kyron A. McMaster and Chantel E. Malone have been named the BVIAA Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2017.

This follows on the heels of McMaster placing number 2 and Malone number 10 in the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Men and Women World Rankings in their respective disciplines.

“I want to be the best and to continue to train hard and represent my country to the best of my ability,” 400m hurdler McMaster said.

Malone was truly excited learning about her world ranking. “I was surprised but happy! With everything that happened last season, it was definitely an icing on the cake. It inspired me to continue moving forward and being the best athlete that I can be.”

The long jumper further stated “This year my inspiration stemmed from losing Coach Samuels. I want my success to be a beacon of hope for the athletes of the BVI and let the world know that we are still a force to be reckoned with.”

Notably, Malone’s and McMaster’s are the only two Leeward Island athletes in the top IAAF World rankings, according to the BVIAA.

BVIAA proud & thankful

BVIAA President Steve Augustine commented that, “As a people and as the Athletics family, we are especially proud of Kyron and Chantel. What they have accomplished internationally is truly a testament to what hard work and determination can masterfully achieve.  I trust that this will serve as an inspiration to the many super talented BVI athletes seeking to follow in their footsteps.

Undoubtedly, I must also give credit to the many coaches that nurtured their athletic abilities during their youth, junior and senior years; Coach Dag Samuels and the Fast Lane coaching staff, Coach Winston Potter and the Top Notch coaching staff and Coach Loren Seagrave, who currently coaches Chantel.”

Both Malone and McMaster are now focused towards the next major games, the Commonwealth Games with their eyes ultimately to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, the BVIAA said awardees in several other categories, including Youth and Junior Athletes of the Year for 2017 and record breakers, will be announced in “future updates.”

See previous article published January 2, 2018

Who are the VI Athletes of 2017?

While we know who the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletes of the Year 2017 are- high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim and heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam- followers, supporters, local athletes and coaches are curious to know who are the BVI Athletics Association’s (BVIAA) Athletes of 2017.

So far the BVIAA has not released a list of nominees or a final list or officially stated whether a ceremony will be held to honour such athletes.

BVIAA President Steve Augustine promised; however, to get back to this news site with information on the local athletes of the year.

Ceremony or not, it is no doubt that 400m hurdler Kyron A. McMaster is a strong favourite for Senior Male Athlete of the Year honours while long jumper Chantel E. Malone is in strong contention for the Senior Female Athlete of the Year.

Majestic McMaster

McMaster ended the year as the world leader in the 400m after destroying a quality field at the Jamaica Invitational on May 20, 2017, clocking an unsurpassable 47.80 seconds.

After an early exit in the 2017 World Championships in London due to disqualification, McMaster rebounded astonishingly by beating a field that included the World Champion Karsten Warholm of Norway at the Diamond League Meet in Zurich, Switzerland on August 24, 2017.

The World Leading McMaster clocked 48.07 to Warholm's 48.22 in the 400M Hurdles for his second fastest time ever. His scalps included Kareim Hussein and Olympic Champion Kerron Clement.

The only downside to McMaster’s year really is tragically losing his coach and father figure Xavier Samuels aka ‘Dag’ to Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.

Magnificent Malone

Meanwhile, Malone’s year was highlighted with a 7th place finish at the World Championships.

Even before making her first jump in the final of the Women’s Long Jump at London Olympic Stadium on August 11, 2017, Malone had already etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Virgin Islands athlete to make it to a senior IAAF World Championships final.

It was also a remarkable feat just to qualify for the Championships after having a late start to her season due to a foot injury.

7 Responses to “UPDATE: It's official! McMaster & Malone named Senior VI Athletes of 2017”

  • ... (02/01/2018, 16:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are all deserving
  • watching (02/01/2018, 16:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    KUDOS to our athletes, God’s speed and continue to work hard no matter what. Your efforts will be rewarded
  • Ravi (02/01/2018, 19:33) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good job by all the coaches esp the late samuels.may you guys continue to strive for excellence despite the unfortunate situation.Hardwork always pays off.
  • pat (02/01/2018, 20:25) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    While we ponder this on our athletes - is there a Santa Claus?
    • @pat (04/01/2018, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes. He is coming soon to tell you why you were naughty, him and his best friend the tooth ferry.
  • ccc (10/01/2018, 18:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well deserving
  • west (10/01/2018, 21:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There it is people, you happy now?


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