Bermuda's 12 Carifta Games athletes will find the going tough at next weekend's Carifta Games in Tobago.

National coach Gerry Swan said yesterday "we might win a couple medals" but conceded that many of those who had excelled at Under-17 level would be hard pressed to reap similar success now they have graduated to Under-20 competition.

His top pick for the Island is senior high jumper Deon Brangman who has lifted his output significantly of late.

"Deon Brangman has been jumping well recently and he will be ready to take his performance in the high jump to another level. He registered a personal best recently, jumping 2.05 metres and if you look at the Carifta results for the last two years, 2.05 would have placed him in the medals," said Swan.

"It just remains to be seen what happens on the day. Competing in the Under-20 age group brings certain dynamics that don't exist at Under-17 level."

He added that Brangman's fellow Under-20 team-mates ? Latroya Darrell, Brittaney Marshall and Taijaun Talbot ? will face a great challenge. Darrell is "a possibility" in the high jump but, with it being her first year among the older girls, she may be out of her depth, the coach noted. Talbot has "a tough task" ahead.

Field-event specialist, Marshall, also has a slim chance in the shot put, Swan said.

"If she really throws well and is at her best, she might get in the medals in the shot put. It will be more challenging in the discus."

Turning attention to the Under-17s, Swan was "very excited" about newcomers Aaron Evans and Matthew Spring who will both run the 1,500 metres and either the 800 or 3,000 metres, depending on the meet schedule.

"I'm not saying they are going to win medals but they really have some potential and could make further improvements on the impressive showings they have already given this season," he reasoned.

Evans has dropped his 800-metre time from 2.14 to 2.03 minutes and qualified for the 3,000 metres clocking 9.49 minutes. Spring's 800-metre best is 2.04 and his 3,000-metre best is 9.52 minutes.