Michelle Smith’s Silver Medal Makes USVI History

Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith etched her name into the history books at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, by winning a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Hurdles — the first-ever medal earned by a female athlete from the Virgin Islands at these prestigious Games.

Smith’s journey to the podium was marked by consistency, grit, and world-class execution. After advancing through the preliminary rounds with the 9th fastest time, she surged to 2nd place in her semi-final, clocking 56.37 seconds to secure the 4th best time overall heading into the final.

In the championship race, held on Thursday, July 24, Smith ran from Lane 8, delivering a spectacular performance that earned her the silver medal in a time of 55.65 and a place among the elite university athletes from around the globe.

Her achievement not only highlights her individual excellence but also marks a watershed moment for Virgin Islands athletics. Smith’s medal is a symbol of progress, inspiration, and the growing impact of female athletes from the territory on the international stage.