Former track and field star Donna Watson yesterday reflected on a promising season for Bermuda's young athletes who claimed medals and achieved personal bests at home and abroad.

The Island enjoyed representation at both international events, such as the IAAF World Youth Championships in the Czech Republic, and US club meets involving performers from Flyers Track Club, Mid-Island Striders and Pacers Track Club.

And Watson, who coaches at Flyers Track Club, said the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) are already preparing next season's schedule, which will include the 2008 Carifta Games to be held in St. Kitts and Nevis in March.

On the international circuit Watson saved special praise for distance runners Matthew Spring and Alexis Bean, and sprinter Harold (Trey) Houston.

"Off the top of my head the likes of Matthew Spring, Alexis Bean and Trey Houston have really matured as athletes and there are plenty of others who also had promising seasons," she said.

"At club level I can only speak for Flyers Track Club and those who really impressed me were Shuntae Hendrickson, Dage Minors, Darico Clarke, Darrion Simons and Paul Smith.

"They have really progressed as athletes and come back with medals and achieved personal bests during the four meets the club competed in the US. Most of these athletes are aged between their early and late teens and have plenty of years ahead of them.

"I'm sure Cal Simons, from Pacers Track Club, and Bill Euler, from the Mid-Island Striders, also have athletes who have really impressed them from their clubs this season as well."

Watson has held an end-of-season review with BTFA president Clarence Smith to assess what improvements in terms of scheduling and administration can be made.

"I think we can reflect on a promising season for a country of our size," she added. "I have had a meeting with Clarence Smith to review this season and look ahead at next season. We need to assess the international and club meets coming up to ensure our athletes have the best possible preparation. It's important everything is in place beforehand so we can move forward when next season starts."

Up next on the athletics calendar is the cross-country season, which starts in September. Bermuda will hope to have representation at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships to be held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in March 2008.