[Mark Vall]

A team of five athletes from the British Virgin Islands was buzzing with excitement as they prepared to fly to the Olympic Games in Paris. The team included sprinter Janelle Smith, long jumper Marcus Williams, swimmer Alicia Jones, shot putter David Foster, and sailor Hannah Brown. They gathered at the airport in Roadtown, ready for their journey. They boarded the WinAir ATR-42, a compact plane that seemed almost too small for their big ambitions.



As the plane took off, the athletes made the most of the tight space.



The flight was a short one, and before they knew it, they were landing at Princess Juliana Airport, famous for its runway right next to the beach. As they descended, they could see beachgoers waving at the plane, and the athletes waved back, feeling like they were already stars.



After disembarking, the team made their way to the transfer gate, where they were set to board an Air France A350. The sleek, spacious aircraft was a dramatic change from the tiny ATR-42. The athletes settled into their seats, thrilled with the extra legroom. David, the shot putter, joked that he could finally stretch out without worrying about hitting someone. As the plane took off, the athletes relaxed and enjoyed the luxurious amenities.



The flight over the Atlantic was smooth, and the team members took the opportunity to rest and recharge. They knew that once they arrived in Paris, the real work would begin.
With a mix of nerves and excitement, the athletes stepped off the plane, taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. They were ready to represent the British Virgin Islands, bringing their unique blend of talent and island spirit to the Olympic Games.