‘I, too, was the smallest’
Diminutive Fraser-Pryce a big influence on BVI’s Hodge, but starlet wants to make her own mark
Published:Sunday | May 15, 2022 | 12:11 AMSharla Williams - Gleaner Writer
JUNIOR TRACK and field athlete Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) says she is inspired by Jamaican Olympic gold medallist and multiple World champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
“As a young athlete, I would always watch the Olympics and see Shelly-Ann being the smallest of the field dominating,” Hodge said.
“This really inspired me to not use my height as an excuse because I, too, was the smallest of the field.”
She said, although Jamaican females have had many successes in track and field, she does not wish to replicate them. “I have hopes to create a whole new image of track and field … I am just looking forward to changing the game my way,” she stated.
She said, in the meanwhile, she hopes athletics in the BVI will continue to improve.
“The BVI athletic quality is great, (but) our athletes just need more discipline and the right guidance to improve in the years ahead, as our older athletes continue to inspire,” Hodge said.
As for developing as an athlete individually, she has a simple approach.
“As an athlete, I hope to continue to strive in track and field but also continue to be a normal teenager,” Hodge said.
CHAMPION GIRL
A major highlight of Hodge’s athletic career so far is being named champion girl of the CARIFTA 2022 games held in Jamaica.
Hodge won three gold medals, capturing the Under-17 100m, 200m and long jump titles to win the Austin Sealy Award, presented to the athlete adjudged to be the most outstanding at the games.
“The experience competing in Jamaica was amazing. Jamaica is known as the sprint capital, so capturing the heart of the crowd was an amazing experience,” she said.
She said she tries to stay present and not be caught up in these moments as she prepares for her next meets and challenges ahead.