Donna Watson, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, has hailed the performances of the Island’s young athletes at the XL Catlin National Championships.

The two-day event, held at the National Stadium on Friday and Saturday, included several of Bermuda’s top athletes including Tre Houston, Dage Minors and Jah-Nhai Perinchief.

In a competitive men’s 800 metres, Shaquille Dill claimed victory in a time of 1min 48.96sec, finishing ahead of Aaron Evans, who was second in 1:49.26, and third-placed Dage Minors, who set a personal best in 1:49.49.

Michaiah Robinson, 17, set a personal best in the same race in 1:57.57. Robinson, who competed at the Carifta Games in St Kitts in April, won the 400 in 49.88sec as he prepares for next month’s World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.

Selah Tuzo, 11, had a superb championships, winning the women’s 400, 800 and 1,500, while Tre Houston, who was warming up for next month’s Pan Am Games in Toronto, beat Kyle Webb in the men’s 100 in a time of 10.55. Webb finished in 10.58.

“The BNAA had a very successful National Championships with many great races, great performances and several personal bests,” Watson said.

“We could not have asked for better weather and the athletes gave 100 per cent. There were so many outstanding moments during the meet.”

Six international athletes also competed to help raise the excitement level at the championships. Emma Kimoto, of Canada, enjoyed a personal best in the women’s high jump with a leap of 1.85.

“A great addition to the championships were the overseas athletes who brought another level to the meet,” Watson said.

“Of course, the championships wouldn’t be anything without our up-and-coming young athletes, who are the ones to watch for the future.”

In the men’s long jump, Bruce DeGrilla, 20, leapt 7.43 to beat visiting athlete Charles Greaves, of Barbados, who jumped 7.25.

Perinchief, 18, jumped a personal best in the men’s high jump in 2.19.

“It was great to see so many young athletes and know that Bermuda’s future is in good hands with many great performances,” Watson said.