Bermuda's young team will return from the Carifta Games in St Lucia with their heads held high after claiming six medals – five more than last year.

A squad of Under-17 and Under-20 athletes achieved several personal bests and final placings. Included in the medal haul were two silvers and four bronze.

New Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president Donna Watson, who was on hand to witness the outstanding performances, said she was pleased with the accomplishments of the team and was excited about the rest of the season.

"The Games for the team was excellent," said Watson.

"We got two silver and four bronze with our total being six medals overall. Most of the events we entered, we reached the finals.

"The competition was just as tough as normal at the Carifta Games. The athletes had to run personal best times to make it to the finals or win a medal.

"Out of the 24 countries who participated, Bermuda finished seventh in the medal tally.

"Amongst most of the small countries we ranked among the top.

"We bettered several of the other small countries who only won one medal like us last year.

"Of course, as per normal Jamaica dominated the competition but not as much as in previous years.

"The team did really well and were congratulated by several of the top officials for a great performance . . . "I am really pleased with the progress we have made this year and we can only get better."

Leading the charge for medal honours was Trey Simons who captured two medals – a silver in the 3000 metres and bronze in the 1500m.

While Simons was grabbing a silver and a bronze, Ashley Berry and Alexis Bean played their part.

Berry finished third in the under-20 women's 3000m while Bean ran a personal best of 4:45.90 to claim the bronze in the under-20 women's 1500m.

Also reaching the podium was Aaron Evans, who snatched silver in the Under-20 800 metres while Akeila Richardson leapt her way to bronze in the Under-17 triple jump.

The closest Bermuda got to a seventh medal was in the under-17 men's high jump in which Ryan Furbert finished fourth with a distance of 1.90 metres.

With an encouraging start to the track season, Watson is hopeful the youngsters will continue to improve.

"Of all the athletes, those that won medals were outstanding – Alexis Bean, Trey Simons, Ashley Berry, Aaron Evans, and Akeila Richardson.

"We also saw other good performances from those not winning medals such as Ryan Furbert, Sean Trott, Darico Clarke, Shaquille Dill, Jeneko Place, Tre Houston and Allison Outerbridge. They all turned in solid performances in their respective events.

"In the 800m in all age groups, except Under-17 girls, we made it to the finals with all of them running personal bests.

"The dynamics of the team was great and all of the athletes and officials supported each other.

"We had a lot of support from parents and friends who traveled to St Lucia which was great for the athletes.

"We were even commended from high officials of Carifta, CAC and NACAC for the great performances that we had this year.

"The only thing we need to look at doing differently next year is trying to focus on identifying people and training them in all of the events such as high jump, long jump, throwing events and so forth.

"We have several International track meets ahead of us this summer from junior events to senior events. We have several athletes who have met these standards during and before Carifta so our season has just begun."