turned ugly when sprinter Nick-Cole DeSilva launched a prolonged attack on BTFA vice-president Stan Douglas.

An early indication of DeSilva's mood came during the 100 metres when he crossed the finish line in second place and pointed, gesturing at line officials. He later refused to accept his second-place medal unless it was presented on the podium -- which was not being used -- in front of the 200-strong crowd in attendance at the National Stadium.

And shortly after the running of the men's 5,000 metres the situation came to a head as he became verbally abusive of BTFA vice-president Stan Douglas and followed this with a physical attack where both men wound up on the ground.

While the crowd watched in disbelief, track officials raced to restrain DeSilva who had regained his footing and had picked up one of the metal starting blocks, continuing to threaten Douglas. DeSilva was unrelenting in his attempts to get at Douglas and it took four officials to pin him down some five minutes after the trouble broke loose.

Sensationally, DeSilva was allowed to come back a little over an hour later and run the 200 metres -- in which he placed third.

Meet director Mike Charles said he did not see what happened -- he may have been the only one. "I'll have to wait for a report and look into the incident,'' he said.

It is believed that DeSilva's fury stems from the lack of financial assistance he received while trying to make the Olympics.

Douglas is also the BTFA's Bermuda Olympic Association representative and is responsible for applying for assistance through the Elite Athlete Assistance Fund, something which he later said he did time and again for the troubled sprinter.

Shortly after the incident Douglas said: "He's finished, he's finished!'' After regaining his composure, the official added: "He's frustrated at this time. He feels he has not gotten due recognition.

"He has become frustrated with me personally as he feels that I am not doing the job for him that I'm doing for others...but I can say that I have been representing him.

" In the sport of track and field performances speak for themselves. It's ability that gets you somewhere. Stan Douglas can't do anything about his ability...he has to do for himself.

"It is a public display and I'm sure the officers will like to discuss this.'' The DeSilva incident overshadowed what was promoted to be a joyous homecoming for sprinter Dawnette Douglas -- this week named to the Olympic team -- who was beaten in both the 100 and 200 metres by American Crystal Braddock (see story below).

Several strong overseas competitors as well as local up-and-coming athletes were on show. A fair complement of parents and interested parties were out lending support to a sport, which appears to be on the rebound.

In the `money' events -- those having the incentive of a free plane ticket to the first local -- Jay Donawa, Jennifer Fisher and Tracy Wright were the ones flying high at the finish line.

Donawa blew away the competition in the ACE Insurance 1,500, winning by 11 seconds over Anthony Wedderburn. The Central Oregon State student said that he was happy about the win -- especially in front of a local crowd -- although he was not pushed enough to come close to a personal best.

"I ran 4:07, way from my personal best. I just wanted to mark my presence and show the public what I was up to,'' he said.

"I looked at the field and said, `Hey, there's a plane ticket at hand and I might as well take it'.'' He said that much of his success can be put down to the assistance of main sponsors Armstrong Barber Shop allowing him to compete in various meets abroad.

Conversely, Fisher had to battle for her prize as Anna Eatherley hounded her from start to finish in the women's Fidelity 1,500 metres. Fisher looked to have shaken Eatherley going down the final back stretch where she led by five metres, but the diminutive runner produced a strong finishing kick and Fisher did well to hold on.

Tracy Wright did not finish first in the men's Bike World 5,000 metres -- that honour went to visitor Spyros Barres -- but he had much reason to smile with his second placing enough for the bonus award.

Another exciting finish involved the 800 metres as Marco Perinchief was able to hold off Sharif Taylor.

HOT UNDER THE COLLAR -- Nick-Cole DeSilva is pictured finishing second in the 100 metres to Neville Hodge last night. Later he exploded into a rage that could place his athletics future in jeopardy.