Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Bermuda’s Commonwealth Youth Games team announced

First Prev 1 2 Next Last
Carrying Bermuda’s hopes: Fenella Wightman is one of Bermuda’s medal hopes for the Youth Commonwealth Games (File photograph by Blaire Simmons)

A squad of 16 athletes, from five different sports, has been named by the Bermuda Olympic Association for the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad & Tobago, which starts next week.

Sprinter Denver Tucker will be the island’s sole representative in athletics, while Natalie Gazzard and Kayley Hamilton will be Bermuda’s first competitors in beach volleyball.

The swimmers make up the biggest squad with Adriana Argent, Elanna Fulton, Marleigh Howes, Isabella Howes, Thomas Cechini, Flynn Watson-Brown and Brandon Adkins taking part.

Annabelle Miller and Cameron Morris will compete in cycling with Jackson Langley, Fenella Wightman, Daria Desmond and Jamie Bedford competing in triathlon.

Ashley Yearwood, chef de mission for the Trinbago Games, is excited to be spearheading Bermuda’s travelling party.

“I am humbled and proud to represent Bermuda as the chef de mission for the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago,’’ said Yearwood.

“As a former athlete, it is interesting to now be on the administration side and to have a tiny hand in our young athlete's athletic journeys. Youth games are vital to the development of our young athletes as they grow in their respective sports.

“These games give them the opportunity to compete at a high level with competitors from their region and other countries around the world and give them a sneak peek of what it takes to compete on a world stage. We have a great group of athletes who have worked incredibly hard this season, not only to qualify but also in their preparations for the games. I am excited to witness the results.”

Swimmer Marleigh Howes sees next month’s competition as a splendid moment for her to compete against challenging opponents.

Marleigh Howes (File photograph by Blaire Simmons)

“Going to the Commonwealth Youth Games is an amazing opportunity,’’ she said.

“The swim team that is going have all been to Carifta and the Caribbean, but the Commonwealth Youth Games is the next step to bigger meets. We get to watch swimmers from other countries who are the next Olympians and are insanely fast. All the athletes going are hoping the training has paid off and they do their best. It will be a great learning experience for all of us.”

Allison Settle, the youth beach volleyball team coach said: “Kayley and Natalie are some of our top beach volleyball talents, and I am very excited for them to experience this momentous occasion.

“They both had the benefit of learning from the professional international coach earlier this summer, so they have many new skills and strategies to implement at this event. The future is bright for Bermuda's beach volleyball players, and the team is working hard to make the most of this opportunity.”

For triathlon coach Clive Langley, this is a wonderful chance for his athletes to put their skills on display.

“We couldn't be prouder of these four national athletes who are about to embark on an unforgettable trip to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago,’’ Langley said.

“It's an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their talent on the international stage. They have invested countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to elevate themselves in all three disciplines.

“We have such a talented and dedicated group of triathletes representing this country, and this group is part of the next generation. At this early stage in their careers, it's not solely about the race results. I'm excited to see where this extraordinary opportunity will take them in the future."

Bermuda will be hoping for better the three medals won at the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas, in 2017, by cyclists Matthew Oliveira and Alyssa Rowse, as well as athlete Sakari Famous.

You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.

Published July 26, 2023 at 7:59 am (Updated July 26, 2023 at 8:16 am)

Bermuda’s Commonwealth Youth Games team announced

What you
Need to
Know
1. For a smooth experience with our commenting system we recommend that you use Internet Explorer 10 or higher, Firefox or Chrome Browsers. Additionally please clear both your browser's cache and cookies - How do I clear my cache and cookies?
2. Please respect the use of this community forum and its users.
3. Any poster that insults, threatens or verbally abuses another member, uses defamatory language, or deliberately disrupts discussions will be banned.
4. Users who violate the Terms of Service or any commenting rules will be banned.
5. Please stay on topic. "Trolling" to incite emotional responses and disrupt conversations will be deleted.
6. To understand further what is and isn't allowed and the actions we may take, please read our Terms of Service
7. To report breaches of the Terms of Service use the flag icon