GEORGE MISSES ADVANCE: BVI hurdler clocks 20.07s in Dakar Youth Olympics

Sixteen-year-old Taraji George of the British Virgin Islands competed in the women's 100m hurdles semi-finals at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal on November 8, recording a time of 20.07 seconds that did not advance her to the final.

George started well but struck the fifth hurdle during Heat 2, disrupting her rhythm and resulting in an eighth-place finish at the Iba Mar Diop Sports Complex. The non-advancing time meant her first appearance at a major Olympic games ended in the semi-final round.

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee noted that George's participation extends beyond competition. She will visit the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) TV studios to have her attendance at the Games documented for the historical record.

The BVIOC expressed gratitude to Chef de Mission Ericca Frederick, George and her family for the commitment required to represent the territory while maintaining her schoolwork. The committee described the experience as formative, offering young athletes exposure to the world stage and opportunities to build international friendships.

George was the BVI's sole athlete at Dakar 2026, which runs from October 31 to November 13. The Games feature 2,655 young athletes aged 14 to 17 from 204 National Olympic Committees. This marks the territory's fourth appearance at the Summer Youth Olympic Games, following participation in Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires 2018. Dakar 2026 is the first Summer Youth Olympic Games held in Africa.