Bermuda’s aspiring track and field stars took their first steps toward international competition as the Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA) hosted the opening Carifta Trial Meet at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium.
The event marked the beginning of a high-stakes qualifying window for the 2026 Games in Grenada, with several athletes coming within striking distance of the elusive standards required for the regional showpiece.
The standout performance of the day came in the Under-17 Women’s 1500m, where Riana Robinson delivered a gritty display. Robinson crossed the line in 5:08.71, finishing just over two seconds shy of the 5:06.00 qualifying mark, establishing her as the closest female athlete to a standard during the meet.
On the men’s side, Sanchez Smith (U17): Clocked a personal best of 4:26.30 in the 1500m, leaving him roughly six seconds adrift of the 4:20.00 benchmark. Gianluca Bortoli (U20): Showed promising early-season form with a 4:16.79 finish, chasing the 4:10.00 standard.
In the sprints, Surii Russell pulled double duty across the 400m age groups. His time of 52.03 was the fastest quarter-mile of the day, while Kelise Wade dominated the U17 Women’s 400m with a solo effort of 1:01.27.
The 100m straight saw Leydi Raynor claim the U17 Women’s crown in 13.07, while Chanz Martin led the men’s field in 12.21. Meanwhile, in the sandpit, Amaya Davis recorded a leap of 15-09.00 to continue her development in the long jump.
With several meets scheduled before March, Bermuda’s elite youth have the plane to Grenada firmly in their sights.
