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Bermuda’s best athletes come home for national championships

Caitlyn Bobb will be in action at the National Track and Field Championships at Flora Duffy Stadium (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Some of the island’s top athletes will be in action at the National Track and Field Championships at Flora Duffy Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bermuda National Athletics Association announced that spectators will be able to witness six overseas-based stars live in action.

“We are especially excited to welcome home several of Bermuda’s elite athletes,” the BNAA said.

“Jah-Nhai Perinchief [triple jump], Caitlyn Bobb [200 metres], Nirobi Smith-Mills [400m], Tiara DeRosa [discus], Sakari Famous [high jump] and Ryan Outerbridge [5,000m] are expected to compete during the weekend.”

Famous, who recently set a new national record when she jumped 1.85 metres at the John Green/Texas Greatest Athlete CE Invitational, is looking forward to jumping on island.

“I’m always grateful to have the opportunity to compete at home,” the 26-year-old said.

Famous also clarified that the 1.85 she recorded last May at the Horned Frog Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, was not accepted then as a national record, which left her previous jump of 1.84 as the highest mark.

Jah-Nhai Perinchief (File photograph by Blaire Simmons)

“In 2025, that was an unofficial mark due to the track meet not having the proper qualifications to count for World Athletics,” she said.

“At the John Green/Texas Greatest Athlete CE Invitational, it officially counted as the national record.”

Bobb, the 400 national record holder, will be running in the 200.

“It’s always nice coming home to tropical weather, seeing family, team-mates, Bermuda Olympic Association and BNAA staff,” she said.

Two American athletes will also be lighting up the track over the two days of competition.

“We’ve invited two elite athletes, Markevus Jackson [400/200] and MaKenzie Dunmore [400/200], based out of Florida and under the guidance of coach Gary Evans, of Empire Athletics,” the BNAA said.

“In addition, many of our collegiate and boarding school athletes have returned home to participate, alongside several of our Carifta athletes.

Tiara DeRosa (File photograph by Ras Mykkal)

“For many of these competitors, this will be their first local track meet in some time, following disruptions to training and competition schedules caused by facility repairs and international events.

“Despite these challenges, anticipation is high for an exciting weekend of competition, personal best performances and qualification standards being achieved for upcoming international meets.

“As a cornerstone of Bermuda’s athletics calendar, the championships play a vital role in preparing our senior athletes for major regional and international competitions, including this summer’s CAC Games and Commonwealth Games.

“For our junior athletes, the event provides an exciting conclusion to the season and an opportunity to build momentum ahead of summer competitions, many of which take place in the United States.”

The track and field facilities at the stadium will be fully utilised this weekend, as the champions come after the Move More Bermuda Games on Friday evening, which catered for participants aged 50 and over.

Sakari Famous will be in action at the National Track and Field Championships (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Also marking a return at the national championships is the popular Fastest Kid on the Rock 100m event, along with the introduction of a new Kids’ Athletics Multi-Event.

“Young athletes in the 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 age groups will have the opportunity to compete in a sprint [60m], standing long jump and cricket ball throw,” the BNAA said.

“These events are designed to introduce younger participants to multiple disciplines and encourage them to explore the sport in a fun and engaging environment.

In addition to the competition, spectators can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere featuring a fun zone with a bouncy castle, vendors, event merchandise and a photo booth to help commemorate the occasion.

“Throughout the weekend, there will also be giveaways, raffle prizes and opportunities for fans to meet and connect with some of Bermuda’s top athletes.”

A number of organisations have chipped in to ensure the successful hosting of the two-day event.

“The Bermuda National Athletics Association extends its sincere gratitude to our valued sponsors and partners whose support has made this event possible,” the BNAA added.

“We thank BermudAir, Lindo’s Group of Companies, Bermuda Waterworks Limited, Speciality Cinema, Rubis Energy Bermuda Ltd, the Government of Bermuda and SAS Protection Services for their generous contributions and continued commitment to the development of athletics in Bermuda.

“We encourage the public to come out and support Bermuda’s athletes, young and seasoned alike, as they challenge themselves, pursue excellence and showcase the very best of our sport.”

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Published June 19, 2026 at 4:08 pm (Updated June 19, 2026 at 4:08 pm)

Bermuda’s best athletes come home for national championships

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