The Bermuda Triathlon Association has chosen 29 of the best young athletes on the island to take part in the fifth annual Carifta Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Team Relay Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, this weekend.

Fenella Wightman, who won two gold medals at the event on home soil last year, will again be in action but has now gone up an age group and will be one of the younger participants in the 16-19 category.

Male and female athletes compete in 11-12, 13-15, 16-19 and 20-21 age groups with draft legal triathlon events being held on Saturday and Aquathlon (Swim/Run) and Mixed Team Relay events taking place on Sunday. Charlotte Parkinson is acting as team manager with Clive Langley aiding the team as assistant coach for the competition.

Steve Petty, president of the Bermuda Triathlon Association, wished the team well ahead of the competition.

“Triathlon in Bermuda is thriving and it is a testament to our youth programme that we are able to choose such a large and talented pool of athletes for Carifta,” Petty said.

“Last year, Bermuda won nine individual medals along with the team silver award when the event was held in Bermuda. We are hopeful that we can achieve similar success again this weekend in the Bahamas. I would like extend my gratitude to all those who have supported our team, in particular our sponsors, Appleby and Price Forbes.”

Neil de ste Croix, the junior national coach, is confident that the team has trained well in preparation for the big event.

“This Bermuda team has worked incredibly hard in training in the lead up to Carifta,” he said.

“We have organised two dedicated training camps, including one with a top coach from the United States, and we have seen progression in all of our athletes throughout this summer.

“For some of our team, this is the first time they have raced overseas but we also have a number of more experienced triathletes who have achieved podium finishes in international races. I am excited to see all of them race this weekend and show off their strength and skills.”