Michelle Smith Wins Historic Silver at World University Games, Becomes First V.I. Woman to Medal

Michelle Smith made history as the first female athlete from the USVI to medal at the FISU World University Games, claiming silver in the 400m hurdles with a time of 55.65. She now sets her sights on the Junior Pan Am Games in Paraguay next month.

  • Staff Consortium
  • July 24, 2025
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Michelle Smith delivered a landmark performance for the U.S. Virgin Islands on Thursday, earning a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Hurdles at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. Her podium finish marks the first time a female athlete from the Virgin Islands has medaled at these international Games.

Smith advanced steadily through the earlier rounds of competition, placing ninth overall in the preliminaries before finishing second in her semifinal heat with a time of 56.37 seconds. That performance secured her the fourth-fastest qualifying time heading into the final.

In the championship race, Smith started in Lane 8 and posted a time of 55.65 seconds, finishing second and earning silver in a competitive field of university athletes from around the world.

Her success in Germany stands as a major milestone for Virgin Islands athletics, particularly in women’s sports. Smith is now set to compete at the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, scheduled for August 15–25, 2025.

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