Virgin Islands sprint star Adaejah T. Hodge joined the 2026 August Monday Festival Parade, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate her historic Commonwealth Games achievement. Photo: Facebook

Junior Minister for Financial Services Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) (Left) and Virgin Islands sprint star Adaejah T. Hodge (Right) spotted on the August Monday Festival Parade route. Photo: Facebook

Adaejah T. Hodge won gold in the Women's 200m at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: BVITB

Sprint phenom Adaejah T. Hodge is greeted by one of her many fans during the August Monday Parade in the Virgin Islands on August 3, 2026. Photo: Ayana S. Hull/Facebook

Adaejah T. Hodge with newly crowned Miss BVI, Asha A.S. Hyndman. Photo: Ayana S. Hull/Facebook

Hodge returned home after winning the territory’s first women’s 200-metre Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow on July 31. She completed the final in 22.07 seconds, marking a major milestone for VI athletics.

Her participation in the parade followed the cancellation of a scheduled Meet and Greet at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. The event was called off because of flight delays, according to Angelle A. Cameron of the BVI Athletics Association.

Hodge's presence added to emancipation celebration

Although the airport welcome was cancelled, Hodge attended the August Monday Festival Parade as a participant. Supporters were encouraged to meet the champion along the parade route to take photographs and obtain autographs.

Hodge’s appearance added excitement to the annual celebration, which brings together residents and visitors through music, culture and community pride.

As she took part in the August Monday Parade, Hodge celebrated not only her personal accomplishment but also a historic moment for the Virgin Islands.