Leslie Jackson and Maclean Smith have become the latest pickleball players from Bermuda to achieve success abroad after clinching gold in the women’s doubles skill 3.0-3.99 at the Marco Island Police Foundation Pickleball Slammer in Florida.

Jackson and Smith went undefeated at the three-day tournament played at Marco Island YMCA. They won all five matches they played, with an 11-7 triumph over the American duo of Sandra Marshall and Jennifer Dayton securing the title for the Bermuda pair.

It was the second gold for Jackson and Smith after the two reigned supreme at the 2025 National Championships, having won silver at the Summer Challenge Series.

Jackson, in partnership with Emma Simmons, also won the senior women’s (50 years and above) doubles 3.5, at the Total Health Cayman Islands Open, last month.

“The Marco Island tournament proved to be very well organised and impressive with over 300 competitors and everything ran on time,” Jackson told The Royal Gazette.

“Winning gold is really about the work and preparation that happens way before stepping out to play.

“For me, it’s extremely rewarding to celebrate these victories with Maclean. We have a very special bond and I feel very fortunate to have her beside me on court.

“Maclean and I have our eye on some upcoming tournaments together. The goal is to play smarter, stronger and more competitive, we win some and we learn in some.”

Playing outside Bermuda for the first time, Smith savoured her experience in Florida.

“Marco Island was my first international tournament, and it was an incredible experience competing against a completely new group of players I had never faced before,” she said.

“Winning felt especially meaningful as a Bermudian coming from such a small island, compared to competitors with much larger pools of talent to train with.

“I’m extremely grateful to have played with Leslie by my side. She’s a fantastic player who brings energy and intention to every match.

“I am already looking forward to the next tournament at home in Bermuda.”