Bermuda’s swimmers and track and field athletes returned home to a warm welcome last night after strong performances at different competitions in Barbados and Mexico.

The swimmers won 23 medals at the Caribbean Island Champions in Barbados, while the track and field team claimed four medals, including Kyrah Scraders’s victories in the 800 and 400 metres, at the CAC Junior Championships in Mexico.

Wayne Scott, the Sports Minister, and Senator Alexis Swan were at the airport to welcome back the teams.

Ben Smith, the Bermuda swimming coach, was delighted with the medal haul from his ten-member team.

“We came back with four age group records, one national record and one CISC record, and finished seventh out of 17 countries, so it was a really good showing for the team,” Smith said.

“Obviously, Julian [Fletcher] is preparing for the Commonwealth Games, so to be at that level with still a few weeks left to go was impressive. Jesse’s [Washington] performance in the 100 freestyle was special.

“It was the first time he has been under 54 seconds and it shatters the national record by almost two seconds, and he’s only just turned 15!”

Experienced swimmer Lisa Blackburn, who won four bronze medals, heaped praise for the youngsters. “The kids did great and for me I was happy with my 100 breaststroke.” she said.

“For the past three weeks I’ve been training with a new coach [Chris Anderson from Florida] and have been able to drop a full second in my best event.”

Scraders was thrilled to bring back two more medals from overseas competition, although she missed a target in the 800 metres. “I’m disappointed with my time because I was trying to qualify for the World Junior Championships in Oregon,” said the 17-year-old, who was equally shocked to win the 400.

“I was nervous at the start and was honestly shocked when I got over the line first.”

Troy Douglas, the Bermuda head coach, said: “I’m pleased with the two gold medals from Kyrah, but the bronze medal from Kyle Webb would probably be the highlight of the competition because it qualified him for the World Junior Championships.

“I don’t know if Bermuda has ever had a junior athlete qualify for three events, the 100, 200 and 400 metres, at the World Junior Championships.”

Also claiming a medal for at the CAC Juniors was Jah-Nhai Perinchief, who won a bronze in the high jump.