Bermudian runner Sean Trott blazed his way to an impressive third-place finish at the recent NCCAA Cross-Country Nationals at Cedarville University in Ohio.

Braving the cold, windy and even snowy conditions, Trott became the first runner ever to represent his school, Lancaster Bible College, at the national championships

He completed the difficult course in 27 minutes and 59 seconds to place third in the NCCAA Division Two division and 38th overall.

The Warwick resident also became the school's first-ever athlete to receive All-American honours in cross-country.

The sophomore's performance capped an outstanding season during which he finished in the top ten of every race he entered and took first place on three occasions.

His team-mate Fred Swartley also won an award for his outstanding performance as the Chargers secured their first team trophy of the season.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) concluded their Electronic Time Keeping Course on Wednesday of this week with the local governing body deeming the event "a tremendous success".

The course, which was aimed at benefiting both local athletes and officials, was one of the BTFA's goals for the year and will finally bring into place the use of the electronic timing equipment that they have had stored for several years.

Instructors from the Durham Striders Timing and Meet Management Company, based in the USA, put 11 participants through their paces at the Berkeley Institute including those from the various BTFA affiliate clubs as well as school PE teachers.

Donna Watson, spokesperson for the BTFA, said she was encouraged by the turnout and involvement by those enlisted in the course, and believed the necessary steps were finally being taken to improve the sport in Bermuda.

"We had 11 participants from various track clubs and teachers," said Watson. "It concluded with a mini-track meet so that the participants could have hands-on practice after the four-days of practical.

"Everyone came out with a better understanding on how to run a track meet, not only with the electronic timing but also the organisation that goes into putting on a track meet.

"The instructors who are from Durham Striders Timing and Meet Management, Dwight Robins and Frank Daris, were very experienced and run several track meets in the USA and have been involved in some of the meets that are held in the Caribbean.

"One of the main goals coming out of this course is to use the electronic time-keeping for as many of our track meets as possible. We will only become proficient with the equipment by using it on a regular basis.

"Darren Lewis from BSSF was one of the participants on the course and he will be looking at incorporating this in the preliminary and finals of the Interschool Primary, Middle and High school sports.

"This will assist with the running of these events and will also bring a new professionalism to the event.

"All in all it was a great course, well received by the participants and once again this is assisting us in moving track and field to a new level in Bermuda."