Mr. Kyron McMaster is the Territory’s newest recipient of an OBE from His Majesty The King for his contributions to sport in the British Virgin Islands.

Kyron McMaster, at 21 years old, won the British Virgin Islands’ first ever Commonwealth Games medal after placing 1st in the 400m hurdles at the Gold Coast 2018 Games in Australia. This was in the aftermath of the 2017 devastating hurricane, which destroyed homes, livelihoods and all training facilities. The hurricane also sadly claimed the life of McMaster’s coach and mentor, Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels.

McMaster has since gone on to win the Diamond League twice, achieve another Commonwealth gold at the Birmingham 2022 Games, and win a silver at the World Track and Field Championships in Budapest 2023 - the first ever medal for the British Virgin Islands at this championship event. He also finished 4th place finalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where despite the COVID-19 restrictions that had hampered training, he achieved a National Record time of 47.08. 

On visits home, McMaster dedicates his time to supporting young people, using his own experiences growing up on Tortola to share lessons learned.  He also champions grass roots sports, working with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports to ensure it gets the investment needed.

His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG said:

“I am delighted that this award has been made in recognition of Kyron’s outstanding achievements and unparalleled service to the Virgin Islands.

With his two Commonwealth Golds Medals and World Champion Silver medal, Kyron has placed BVI on the sporting map across the world and given cause for national celebration even in some of the most challenging times in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane.

Off the track, Kyron continues to inspire, using his own experience to motivate young students and athletes.

I offer my warmest congratulations to Kyron”.