Current Maryland Eastern Shore runner Judah Corriette (Roseau, Dominica) and former thrower Dillon Simon (Roseau, Dominica) will represent their country this week, competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

First held in 1930, the Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event similar to the Olympics. Participating countries are from the Commonwealth of Nations—53 member states that are mostly comprised of former territories from the British Empire. The 2018 edition of the games are being held on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Corriette—a junior who transferred to The Shore this year—will run the 800 meter dash. Simon, who graduated in 2015, will compete in the shot put. Dillon’s qualifiying rounds take place on April 8th while Corriette’s races begin April 10th with the final coming April 12th. All events for both athletes will occur at Carrara Stadium.

Both athletes are representing their home country of Dominica. Dominica is an island republic in the Caribbean with a population totaling just over 70,000. Colonized by the French and then the British, the island gained independence in 1978.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s track & field team has benefited from athletes who call the island nation home. Simon still holds four school records between indoor and outdoor seasons. Corriette and senior Luan Gabriel (Roseau, Dominica) have impressed in their Hawk careers, and assistant coach Curtley Bynoe trained numerous athletes and helped the Hawks’ strength and conditioning programs for several seasons.

Any times set by Corriette will count toward Maryland Eastern Shore’s records. Simon’s will not since he graduated, but he did represent the Hawks when he competed in the 2014 games in Scotland.