Star-studded line-up for national athletics championships
Some of the island's finest athletes will be in action at the National Championships at Flora Duffy Stadium today and tomorrow.
Fresh from competing at the The Penn Relays in Philadelphia, where he jumped 16.86 metres that ranks him among the world’s best this season, Olympic triple jumper Jah-Nhai Perinchief headlines the two-day competition.
The 27-year-old has not competed on home turf for more than a year since he recorded a wind assisted 17.13 at USATF Bermuda Grand Prix in April 2024.
High jump star Sakari Famous should be charged up to compete in front of the home crowd after setting a national record of 1.84 metres when the 25-year-old cleared the bar at the Horned Frog Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, at the beginning of May.
National women’s 400 metres record-holder Caitlyn Bobb is expected to showcase her sprint prowess. The 22-year-old, who is preparing for the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, is coming off a successful season with Virginia Tech.
Bobb last week made her second and final appearance at the NCAA Track and Field Championships, held in Oregon. In May, the sprinter set a Bermuda record of 51.11 seconds on her way to victory at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships.
Suresh Black is back from university abroad to fight for honours in the men’s sprints. Fans can expect an exciting showdown between Black, Denver Tucker and Norre Robinson, in the 100 and 200 metres.
Nirobi Smith-Mills, Bermuda’s other track representative at the Junior Pan Am Games, is believed to be in good shape to make a strong push to break the national 800 metres record.
On June 7, the former Bermuda Under-19 pace bowler clocked 1:49.47 when finishing third at the British Milers Club Birmingham University Grand Prix.
Aaron Evans remains the fastest male Bermudian in the 800 metres after he stopped the clock at 1:46.26 in 2010.
Cameron Adkins, who clinched silver in the 1,500 at Carifta, is expected to compete over the distance. Another rising star, Amaris Munya, has entered the 400, 800 and 1,500 metres in her final competition on the island before she leaves for school overseas in August.
Long-distance enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling showdown in the 5,000 metres between Ryan Outerbridge and Sean Trott, when the two reprise their Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby rivalry.
Field events will also see top-level action from Tatiana Sousa, the silver medal-winner in the javelin at the Carifta Games.
Freddie Evans, the BNAA president, indicated that beyond the elite competition, the championships will also include athletes from youth, junior, open and masters divisions.
“It’s the only event of the year where Bermuda’s entire athletics community – from first-time competitors to Olympians – share the same stage,” Evans said.
“This championship is about excellence, but it’s also about development. We want to inspire the next generation and remind everyone what’s possible with hard work and support.
“Entry is free for all spectators with donations encouraged to help support youth development, travel costs and athletic programmes across the island.
“This is a celebration of our sporting culture. Bring your energy, your family and come be part of something truly special.”