Bermuda?s junior athletes yesterday received words of wisdom and coaching from someone who has been where they are hoping to go.

American Olympic triple jumper Kenta Bell ? currently on the Island for tomorrow?s Bank of Bermuda Foundation West End Club Schools Track and Field Challenge ? spent time chatting with young competitors about what is required to succeed internationally and then putting the children through their paces in a drill clinic at Bermuda High School.

Bell, a finalist in his discipline at last year?s Olympics in Athens, is a guest of meet organisers and will present medals at the annual showpiece at the National Sports Centre.

?We are pleased to have Kenta Bell here to promote our Track and Field Challenge. This event provides our young people with a positive avenue to showcase their talents and athletic abilities.

?Having Kenta here will hopefully help motivate and inspire our juniors to reach higher levels of competition,? said West End president Clarence Smith regarding the 27-year-old?s presence.

The fifth edition of the West End meet is expected to attract more than 20 schools and 250 athletes across a variety of events, including discus, long jump, shot put, triple jump and the 100, 200, 400 and 1,500 metres as well as relays. Sandys Middle School are the defending overall champions.