Taylor-Ashley Bean overcame a “dirty race” to capture the bronze medal in the Under-20 Girls 1500 metres on the opening day of the Carifta Games at the National Sports Centre (NSC).The Virginia State University freshman rounded off the podium finishers in a time of 4:53.14 despite taking an elbow in the face as she attempted to pass a rival on the last lap.“It was kind of a dirty race but I had to go out there and prove myself to my country and make them proud,” said Bean.“It was a very tough race but I had to stay relaxed and not worry about the crowd.“It was windy but my coach (Gerry Swan) told me to stay behind the pack and let them take the wind and use it to my advantage. I just had to do what I had to do.”Very little separated Bean and the eventual fourth-placed runner as they headed down the final stretch. And in the end the Bermudian runner barely held off her rival in a photo finish to earn a place on the podium just over a week after setting a new junior female national record (4:42.82) at the Fred Hardy Invitational in Richmond, Virginia.“I just knew that in the end it was going to come down to a foot race and I had to start early or they would’ve had an advantage over me,” Bean said. “I didn’t have any doubts because I am probably the strongest now that I’ve ever been.”While Bean was delighted to stand on the podium, she was far from pleased with her time on the day.“I am happy I placed on the podium, but I’m not too happy with the time,” she said. “I was hoping to break my own record and get it further, but it all showed up in the wash and at the end of the day it was a good race.”Present at the NSC to witness the Virginia State freshman’s podium display was proud father, Wayne Bean.“I think Taylor performed well,” the former Somerset Eagles footballer said. “She could’ve performed a little better, but it was a tactical race and when you know you have a girl in the race that runs under 4:30 it changes your tactics.“Taylor made a few mistakes, but otherwise I am pleased with her performance and also very proud.”