There was bright news for the Territory on the women’s side in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the 100m semifinals after posting 11.33 seconds in the first round, finishing eighth among 52 competitors in that event’s opening heats. Photo: Facebook

Jaleel N. J. Croal (Right) and Rikkoi AR Brathwaite (Left) of the Virgin Islands ran strong races in the opening round of the Men’s 100 metres at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games but fell just short of advancing to the semifinals. Photo: Facebook

Meanwhile, Jaleel N. J.Croal and Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite of the Virgin Islands ran strong races in the opening round of the Men’s 100 metres at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games but fell just short of advancing to the semifinals.

Facing a tough field of 73 athletes competing for 17 spots in the 100m semi-finals, Croal posted a season-best-challenging 10.29 seconds in Heat 8 but finished 18th overall, one place shy of qualification. Brathwaite, running in Heat 9, clocked 10.37 seconds to place 23rd among the 73 starters and also missed advancing. 

We're proud of their achievements- Commonwealth Sport BVI

“Jaleel and Rikkoi ran well but with the selection process in place, their times denied them the opportunity to advance,” said Ephraim Penn, President of Commonwealth Sport BVI. “We are proud of their achievements and for representing the Virgin Islands with pride and as excellent ambassadors for our Territory. We thank them for their commitment, hard work and focus for this event. We look forward to supporting them and cheering them on at their next appearance when Jaleel competes again in the 200m, and Rikkoi represents at the Santo Domingo 2026 CAC Games.”

Croal will return to action in Glasgow on Wednesday, July 29, when he contests the Men’s 200m Round 1. Brathwaite will travel to the Dominican Republic to represent the Virgin Islands in the Men’s 100m at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo on August 3.