As we moved to the end pair for game five, at the Sebelen Entertainment Centre, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, David Maycock came to this pair after throwing back-to-back 246 games, entering game five with a four-game total of 915 (228+ average). We were not score watching, but we instinctively knew he was in the hunt for a medal. David and I were operating at a high level, as athlete and coach, both playing our roles well. His shot execution was excellent, and I sensed his complete trust with every adjustment. Accordingly, he would commit wholeheartedly to each change. With each line hit, and release precision achieved, I was able to impart my experience and knowledge for adjustments in ball motion. We were in a competition flow state and performing well. His new skills, developed over months of targeting preparations, were on full display.

The transition on this lane, in game five, revealed a large difference in ball motion. We knew where Venezuela had started earlier in the block, and it showed with how different the lanes were from the previous lane. These are the moments that matter most in a block. Being open-minded and adaptive to what is happening. Once locked in, execute to score. After a series of adjustments, he reeled off four strikes in a row. Two open frames had cost between 22 to 53 pins this game. After 203 in game five, David rolled a stellar 242 with an open early (split) in game six, but he finished the block with eight consecutive strikes. Fight to the end no matter what.

Maycock’s block was a function of focus and preparation. I was able to help him fully through my experience. We were very proud of his performance, which landed him ninth, 42 pins from a medal with just three shots in 93 throws (3.2 per cent) in the block costing the medal. As in life, the smallest margins have big impacts.

When wearing the national jersey, the nation calls on us to prepare and perform at our best. I was very proud of this block. The flow of the block was excellent, and we adapted quickly and often. There are many similar stories from Team Bermuda in other sports too. The athletes prepared well and performed during the Games, but fell short, just missing out. We call on readers to recognise these commitments too.

There are also so many stories that go unreported. These stories are less exciting and far from glamorous. Yet, these stories reveal the commitment to the country and show the commitment of our teams and athletes. As coaches, we are proud of these unreported moments. The tenpin bowlers had many of these highlights.

LeVinc Samuels performed well throughout the competition, averaging 210+ for the Games, and made for an outstanding quality performance in Doubles with David Maycock. The flow and proactive quality of this block made the three of us proud. David averaged 221 and LeVinc 214. They shot 269 and 220 to end the block. Fight to the end no matter what.

One of the biggest shining moments was Anthony Hayward Jr improving in each of his first three blocks. He stayed true to our goals. Work hard solving the lane play puzzle. Fight to the end no matter what. Improve each block. Hayward Jr started Singles with 1,160, improving to 1,229 in Doubles and throwing 1,251 in Trios. Since my arrival he has been our most improved bowler. In his assignment to represent Bermuda he worked hard in preparations and was able to display many new skills in many lane play zones. As a coach, I am proud of his evolution and his striving to be his best.

In addition, there were so many small wins not reported. Bowlers, who rarely threw inside of the fourth arrow, were three-stepping in front of the ball return, lofting the ball, and adding different releases. This is a function of hours and hours of preparation work. And these small wins make a coach and country so proud. They stretched their skills and comfort level to show out with the national jersey on their back. They took the responsibility seriously, and I am proud of each of these small wins that don’t appear on the score sheet.

The Central American and Caribbean Games always have a strong international tenpin bowling competition. Mexico men are in the top 10 in world championship medal history, and Colombia and Venezuela are also top 20, with Puerto Rico just outside of the top 20 historically in medal count globally at the World Championship.

I have given my recommendations to the Federation to help make the future of Bermuda tenpin bowling better. An investment in youth development can yield world-class athletes, as seen in the stunning evolution of Guatemala, who have become strong after building a training centre and investing heavily in youth development. We see this with the success of the Dammers sisters in Aruba as well.