and while she did not return the results many hoped, the 20-year-old is determined to be ready in time for Barcelona.

Douglas, roared on by a receptive crowd, placed third in the 100 metres, clocking 11.9 seconds behind American imports Crystal Braddock (11.4) and Natasha Alleyne (11.9).

Then in the 200 metres a few hours later, she improved to second in 24.40 with Braddock first (23.50) and Alleyne third (25.00).

Douglas, the first female athlete to make Bermuda's Olympic team since javelin star Sonia Smith in 1984 and the first sprinter since Debbie Jones in 1976, started well in both races but lacked the strength over the last 25 metres to threaten Braddock, who hails from Houston, Texas.

"I know I can do better,'' said Douglas. "I didn't feel as strong as I should be. I know I need to do some more work.'' She added that she wanted to do the 400 as well but the schedule was too tight.

Her coach, Neville Hodge, who completed the sprint double last night, confirmed that Douglas' training suffered in the build-up to the Bermuda Olympic Association's decision to name the squad.

"She was out of it for a while because she didn't think they were going to pick her,'' said Hodge, who will be in Barcelona representing St. Thomas.

"Now we have to take her back and build up her strength again. She should be always around 11.4 and 11.5.'' Douglas' form actually improved in her later race, but she was again well beaten by Braddock, who relished the opposition. "It was the first time I have met Dawnette and I had heard good things about her,'' said the American.

"I was happy to come here to push her.'' The 100 metres was actually started an hour late to allow Alleyne to get to the stadium. "I just got off the plane about an hour and a half ago,'' explained the Georgia Tech University student, who specialises in high jump.

Douglas will remain in Bermuda for a week before returning to Maryland for final preparations.

THREE'S A CROWD -- Bermuda's Dawnette Douglas, left, finishing third in the women's 100 metres las night behind Americans Crystal Braddock, centre, and Natasha Alleyne.