Adaejah T. Hodge is a sophomore at University of Georgia and competes in athletic events sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Photo: Georgia Bulldogs/Facebook

British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) President Steve Augustine has clarified that sprint sensation Adaejah T. Hodge, despite her historic Commonwealth Games 200-meter gold medal, is not eligible to receive cash awards under the Territory's current prize structure due to NCAA compliance regulations. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Adaejah T. Hodge during a parade in her honour in the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Hodge made history on July 31, 2026, by becoming the first female athlete from the Virgin Islands to win Commonwealth Games gold. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Speaking at the official recognition event held at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following a celebratory motorcade in honour of the Territory's Commonwealth Games heroes, Augustine explained the association's position on maintaining collegiate eligibility for student-athletes. 

Past awardees

"In the past, we would have awarded persons like a professional athlete, two-time Commonwealth Games champ, World Silver Medalist [Kyron A. McMaster]," Augustine noted, acknowledging the traditional approach to recognising athletic excellence. 

"But on a matter of clarification, Adaejah T. Hodge is indeed our Commonwealth Games 200-meter gold medalist and record holder," he affirmed. 

The BVIAA's cash awards structure was established to reward top-performing medal-winning athletes at championships and games financially. However, Augustine emphasised that Hodge, as an athlete who falls under the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), is not permitted to accept cash awards for medalling, as this would compromise her eligibility. 

"As president of the BVIAA, we have a responsibility to ensure collegiate athletes maintain compliance with these rules and regulations," Augustine stated. 

Hodge is a student athlete at the University of Georgia.

Community honours historic gold medalist 

The clarification came during a day of celebration for Hodge, who made history on July 31, 2026, by becoming the first female athlete from the Virgin Islands to win Commonwealth Games gold. 

The 20-year-old sprinter clocked 22.07 seconds in the women's 200-meter final at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, also setting a new Commonwealth Games record of 22.01 seconds in the semifinals the day before.

The BVIAA president's statement serves as both a clarification of existing policy and a reminder of the complex regulatory landscape that governs collegiate athletics, particularly for athletes competing at the highest international levels while maintaining NCAA eligibility.