Ronald Russell, president of the Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation,
announced recently that in preparation for the upcoming Pan American Games in
July in Winnipeg, Canada top athletes who have met the qualifying standards have been selected.
One of those athletes , Flora Hyacinth was winner of the gold medal in the Central America and Caribbean Games long jump in Venezuela this past summer. She has qualified in the long jump and triple jump. Another qualifier Ameerah Bello is an NCAA finalist and graduate school student at the University of Minnesota. Bello competed in the 200 meters and 400 meters. Jackie Morgan, a St.Croix Country Day High School graduate and winner of the 1998 Virgin Islands Half-Marathon is a freshman at the University of New Mexico. She competed in the 10,000 meters.
Athletes who have submitted their names for consideration for individual
events pending verification of times are Rodneshya Pitts, Rodney Pitts and
Stephen Jones. Athletes who are attempting to attain the qualifying time
who have submitted their names are William Bohlke, Gilma Patrick, Kamarsha
Ryan. Jeff Jackson, who has qualified in the hurdles, is awaiting verification of eligibility.
Plans are to field a women's 4X100 meter relay team consisting of 1996
Olympians Hyacinth, Bello, Rochelle Thomas, Maria Noel and Jilma Patrick Pitts. This group must meet qualifying time of 46.50. Neville Hodge has been selected as the national coach.
Those eligible athletes who have met the Pan American Games qualifying should contact the Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation at 772-0412, 772-0212 fax or e-mail [email protected], [email protected].
For qualifying standards go the Virgin Islands Track & Field site by clicking here.