High jumper Sakari Famous has expressed her delight after setting a new Bermuda record on her way to snatching bronze at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Famous, who headed into the final in Dominican Republic on Friday with a personal best of 1.85 metres, cleared 1.89, which was enough for her to finish third. Marysabel Senyu, from the host nation, took gold with 1.93, while silver went to Dacsy Brison, of Cuba, who had a best jump of 1.91.

What made it even special for the 26-year-old was that it was her first senior-level major games medal for Bermuda.

“I was excited to compete at these games because I knew I put in the work and preparation to acquire this accomplishment,” Famous told The Royal Gazette.

“The competition was filled with many great moments throughout and I’m glad I was able to keep the momentum going to place third.

“The height I jumped means a lot to me because I finally broke the 1.85m barrier that I’ve been consistently jumping, and I’m grateful to now have a higher PB and a new national record.

“I want to make sure I thank my mum, family, friends, coaches and of course Bermuda for all the support.

“God has blessed me with this opportunity to compete at the CAC Games and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

It was a productive penultimate day for Bermuda with Famous and Sebastian Kempe securing bronze, while Adriana Penruddocke became the second Bermudian to secure gold after Tyrone Smith achieved the feat in 2010.

The trio’s achievements saw Bermuda finish the CAC Games eighteenth of 28 with six medals, one gold, a silver and four bronze. It was the same amount of silverware the island notched up in El Salvador four years ago.

Friday was also a great day for netball as they defeated the host nation 36-35 to pick up their first win of the competition. With Trinidad & Tobago upsetting Jamaica to clinch gold, Bermuda finished fifth.

Debré Evans, the Longtails captain, expressed pride in the team putting in a great effort in their maiden appearance at the Games.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of the 2026 CAC Games,” Evans said.

“The Longtails set out on a new journey, a new stage of competition and left it all out on the floor. We went up against some of the best countries in our region and I am so proud of my team for digging deep and giving all that they could.

“Playing five games back to back in intense heat was a test for us along with busy hectic schedules starting at 5.30am and ending at 9pm.

“The playing styles of our opponents and the level of physicality were something I don’t think everyone was ready for.

“I don’t think people understood how physical these games were going to be for us, but we powered through especially our defensive unit who did their best to hold it down.”

Evans stated that they have taken time to ponder on their matches, to see how best they can become better going forward.

“There were lots of lessons to take away from the tournament,” she said.

“Our entire team has reflected on our time at the CAC Games, where to improve, how to improve and what to continue to grow on.

“I want to shout out to our coaching staff for giving us all the tools and knowledge to prepare us for this competition because they’re the backbone of the team.

“I hope as our national programme grows more people come out and get support. Hopefully, the momentum of our national programme encourages others to come out.”