The Coastal Athletic Association Women’s Track & Field Championship proved to be a proud and memorable occasion for Shayla Cann.

The Bermudian runner played an integral role in helping Elon University capture overall women’s honours for the fourth time in five years when winning the silver medal in the 800 metres with a new personal best time of 2min 07.89sec.

“This win felt special because I was directly part of it,” an elated Cann told The Royal Gazette.

“Coming in as a freshman last year, I already knew about our school’s history of dominance, but this year actually being able to help reclaim the title made it that much more fulfilling. I’m incredibly proud of all my team-mates.”

Elon University finished with 147 points, Hampton (122 points) in second and host North Carolina A & T (102 points) third to round off the overall podium at the championships.

Cann and her fellow team-mates surpassed the expectations of many with their dominant display.

“Heading into conference, Elon was predicted to place third overall. But we proved that it’s really about who shows up when it’s time to perform,” she said. “I’m so proud of how my team-mates met the moment.

“Even those who didn’t compete at conference were there cheering us on. We were in the middle of finals week, but they still came out to support us, which honestly says so much. That kind of love and community is just beautiful.”

The sophomore, who was a member of Bermuda’s 4x400 metres relay team that won the bronze medal at the 2022 Carifta Games in Jamaica, showed tremendous resilience by overcoming trying conditions on the opening day of the championships.

“The first day of competition was anything but smooth as thunderstorms rolled in throughout the day,” Cann said.

“Some of our team-mates had to push through the 100 metres hurdles in a complete downpour, and the rest of the events were delayed for four hours due to constant weather interruptions.

“My team-mates and I were set to run the 800 prelims and ended up warming up multiple times only for our race to be pushed back four hours. But through all of that, we still showed up for each other and for the team.”

The CAA Championships could potentially turn out to be Cann’s final meet in an outstanding year for her on the track.

“This will most likely be the end of my season,” she said.

“Of course, I want to take everything I’ve done this year and build on it going into next year. I’m definitely excited to see what’s ahead and, until then, I’m just focused on controlling what I can.”

Cann has enjoyed considerable success since returning from a lower leg injury, which sidelined her for most of last season.

The 19-year-old secured the bronze medal in the 800 at the Coastal Athletic Association Indoor Championships that capped her first full indoor season in fine style. Her time of 2:09.78 was the third-fastest time in school history.