fruitful foray into the realm of senior age group competition.

After two days of action, the Island's representatives counted a treasure haul of 17 medals -- four gold, five silver and eight bronze -- at the Third Latin America and Caribbean Masters Swimming Championships being held at the Barbados Aquatic Centre.

Annette Budge, Sarah Manuel, Chris Smith and Caroline Mitchell have each enjoyed turns at the top of the podium over the course of the two days.

Budge had the distinction of becoming Bermuda's first gold medal recipient when she extinguished the field in the 200 metre breaststroke in the 25-29 age division.

She was followed on Thursday by Manuel, who beat all others in the 200 metres backstroke (30-34), an event in which she once held the local record. Mitchell claimed victory in the 100 metres breaststroke (25-29), while Smith touched the wall first in the 400 metres freestyle.

Taking part at the meet are 613 individual competitors from 52 clubs and 15 countries.

The championships continue with races in the pool today before climaxing with an open water swim tomorrow, although it is not believed any of the Bermudians will be involved in the latter as they are due to depart on the same day.