Sprinter Tahesia Harrigan displays her IAAF World Indoor Championships 60 meters bronze medal. Photo>Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

TORTOLA—In her first public appearance on home soil after winning the territory’s first medal during last month’s IAAF World Athletics Championships in Valencia Spain, British Virgin Islands sprint sensation Tahesia Harrigan, called on parents to support their children who are involved in sports.

Harrigan was speaking during a Wednesday afternoon sunset ceremony in her honor at the Government’s Central Administration Complex that followed a motorcade from the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport. Harrigan thanked everyone who attended the ceremony, the BVI Government, BVI Olympic Committee, BVI Athletic Association officials and those who have been supporting her and acknowledge her accomplishments. 

Tahesia Harrigan with current BVI Amateur Athletics Association president Ephraim Penn, left, former president Johnny Hassan (74-76) and Rey O'Neal (1970-73 & 1978-2003). He is the current vice president. Photo>Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

“Track and field has definitely grown in the British Virgin Islands and I must say, I’m proud to see where it’s going and to be a part of what we call the change in history,” the recently minted bronze medalist said. “Athletes from the BVI will no longer got to meets to say they are just there for a field trip—not to be recognized by other athletes by who we are the British Virgin Islands. We are going there to compete with the best and to come out on the top of them.”

Harrigan said BVI athletes are being watched now and asked why then raised her World Championships bronze as well as her CAC Games gold medal. She cited Chantel Malone’s Triple Jump gold and Long Jump silver medals and Shanice Hazel’s 100 meter silver medal at the Carifta Games as examples. She said BVI athletes are making “A” qualifying standards at the world level something that didn’t happen much before.  She said the BVI will be known for producing great athletes and these athletes will stand next to Jamaica and the Bahamas as countries producing some of the best athletes.

 

Tahesia Harrigan with Sports Minister Andrew Fahie, Youth Officer Jason Rubaine, BVIOC President Rey O'Neal, BVIAAA President Ephraim Penn, Premier Ralph T. O'Neal, Hon. Vincent Scatliffe, CAC Athletics Confederation President Victor Lopez and Permenant Secretary Shelia Brathwiate. Photo>Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

“We have what it takes, all we have to do is to continue to move forward, and great things will happen for us and our country,” she said. “We have athletes that are strong, determined and making “A” standards. It takes a great deal of hard work and mental toughness to do these things and go on with your daily life and deal with social pressures—we have that capacity.”

Harrigan said everything in life requires hard work and nothing worth getting is going to come easy—what you put in is what you will get out. Speaking directly to parents, she said we have great athletes, see potential and great things. “But, what we need to do as

Tahesia Harrigan with coach Dag Samuels, Darneita Robinson, Britney Wattley & coach Willis "Chucky" Todman. Stooping: Ashley Kelly, Alliston Blyden and Samantha John. Photo>Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

parents, guardians, people of our society, is back these kids 100%, no longer saying ‘we are going to take them to the track’ and drop them off,” she said. “Yes, we need a break every now and then, but, we need to encourage them, support them, guide them, lead them and in that direction they will follow. If you don’t’ do anything, they won’t get anything. Continue to stick with them when times are tough.”

Sports Minister Andrew Fahie encouraged those assembled to make preparation for the next ceremony, when Harrigan wins Olympic gold. “Most countries prepare to host Olympics,” stated. “We are going to prepare to host the winner. Continue to make us proud.”