8 Years Racing for Haïti - Vava’s Last Race Ever!

My favorite moments after 8 years of representing Haïti will always be when I go to a competition and someone is surprised to see Haïti present. I’m always so proud to say AYITI NOU LA! For a moment, our country’s narrative is positive, they smile & this - was always my goal - to show Haïti to the world in a positive light. Praise God he used me for such a blessed (& stressful) experience full of growth, love & lessons.

I’ve never been sponsored, no agent for 5 years and YOU - Haitians around the world - have been my support and motivation. I need your help one. last. time.

*$20 - Competition Entry fee

*$217 - Treatment & Rehab

* $743 - Roundtrip flight to Nassau, Bahamas

* $136 - Luggage & Parking

* $175 per night; 7 nights - Athletes’ Hotel

* Transportation to / from Hotel & Track for practice and competition 

* Food and miscellaneous 

* 30th Birthday & Retirement blessings

* Transition out of sports including seeking a new full time job, shipping my vehicle ($800-$1000) & household items across the United States ($2500-$3500).

MY TRACK & FIELD JOURNEY:

In 2018 I made my first team to represent Haïti & won the silver medal for us at the Central American & Caribbean Games.

In 2019 I ran a personal record, a time one could have said was impossible for me and qualified for the World Championships in Qatar

In 2021 I was selected for the Haitian Olympic Team for Tokyo Olympic Games but unfortunately sprained my ankle and asked Haïti to replace me with someone else - most difficult decision I’ve ever made.

In 2022 and 2024, I represented Haïti at 2 more World Championships and became a World Championship semi-finalist.

HAITI, I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING I HAD

After 4 years at Brockton High School, 5 years collegiate (Eastern Michigan University & University of Alabama) & 8 years professionally for Haïti - my time on the track has come to a surreal end.

Through these 8 years, I was never sponsored. I rented rooms around the country, slept where I could, stayed with strangers who became my angles, & invested every dollar I could into my coaching, traveling, treatment, therapy and more. 

For 8 years, I fought, I cried, I fought again. I won many races, lost many as well. The financial, physical & mental burden has reached it’s limit but I have no regrets.

My goal was to bring light to the narrative of Haïti and I witnessed this with my own eyes. I’m grateful beyond words.

MY LAST RACE 

Bahamas National Championships

Nassau, Bahamas

June 26-28, 2024

Womens’ 100 Meter Hurdles runs on 6/27

Keep up with my training the next 2 weeks leading up to my retirement race. I will be celebrating my 30th Birthday in the Bahamas afterwards Mesi Mesi Mesi