Deon Brangman Jr refused to be downcast after finishing 14th in the men's high jump final and vowed to use the experience as a "learning curve".

The 20-year-old entered the competition at 2.05 and cleared the height but was unable to make 2.10 in two attempts. In his third jump Brangman attempted 2.15 but removed the bar.

He had qualified for Pan-Am at the Final Onion Series event in May with a personal best of 2.13.

"Leading up to the competition my training wasn't really going that well, but I went into the event looking to give it my best shot," he said.

"I had a few problems with the surface as it's a lot harder than the surface in Bermuda and I didn't feel I was quick enough.

"This is the highest level of competition I've competed and I had to experience it to know what I must do for the future. I have a lot work to do next season."

Brangman, who works for Bermuda Gas, suffered a series of injuries last year, pulling his hamstring twice and stretching the ligaments in his foot. Victor Moya, of

Cuba, won the contest with a height of 2.32.

Diver Katura Horton-Perinchief withdrew from her competition yesterday due to concerns over her fitness.

Chef de Mission Philip Guishard said there had been some slight, but noticeable variations in Katura's overall fitness, which questioned her ready status for her event.

"This event is one in which the athlete's total being must be completely in sync in order to compete and be safe in competing," he said.

"It was submitted that she be withdrawn, and given all of the circumstances, and in particular, those of safety of the athlete, I fully agreed and accepted the submission."

lBermuda's podium aspirations suffered a massive setback after main hope Malcolm Smith failed to qualify for today's medal round in the sailing.

The former world champion finished sixth in the sunfish to miss out, with the top five sailors qualifying.

Insufficient wind postponed yesterday's races leaving Smith, who claimed silver in the 2003 Pan-Am Games in the Dominican Republic, unable to make up ground on his competitors.

Stevie Dickinson and Leatrice Roman finished eighth in the snipe, Brett Wright came eleventh in the laser and Katrina Williams was placed eighth in the laser radial.

Team Manager Deb Gravelle said: "We waited and waited and the wind never materialised. The race committee postponed ashore, with absolutely no breeze.

"Bad news for Bermuda, as we hoped Malcolm would have a chance to make it into the medal round."