Caitlyn Bobb was narrowly denied Bermuda’s first gold medal at the Junior Pan American Games last night.

Bobb was beaten in heartbreaking fashion in the 400 metres final, being passed in the last ten metres by Dianna Proctor, of Canada, who set a Games record when dipping just inside 52 seconds for the win.

It all appeared to be going to plan for Bermuda’s pocket rocket for 380 metres of the race, with Bobb holding a big advantage as the runners turned into the home straight.

But her stride noticeably shortened as she tired late and the taller, leggier Canadian athlete found enough to sneak what looked an unlikely win at the halfway stage.

After the race, Bobb revealed her feelings after missing out on gold.

“Obviously it hurts a little as I wanted to win gold for my country,” she said.

“But it is what it is and I’m glad and grateful that I finished in one piece.”

The 22-year-old does not look back with regrets but revealed that she raced the second half of the final with a hamstring problem.

“It happened 150 metres into the race,” Bobb said.

“I felt an abnormal feeling in my hamstring, which I’ve never felt before. In track and field, you don’t really ever want to mess with hamstrings, so I was not sure I wanted to finish the race.

“But I did finish, although I didn’t push into the other gear that I normally have because I was fearful of pulling or popping my hamstring.”

Bobb looked ecstatic as she collected her medal at the ceremony last night.

“I wish I had been a step higher on the podium,” she said.

“But I live in the moment and it was nice to be up there with Canada and Jamaica.

“I got to briefly talk to them underneath the stands as we were getting ready for the cermony. We had some good vibes out there, but I’m glad it’s all done, happy with a silver medal and thankful for the opportunity.”

Bobb’s medal is Bermuda’s third at the Games after sailor Sebastian Kempe won silver and swimmer Jack Harvey picked up a bronze medal in the pool in the 100 metres backstroke.

Bobb was not the only Bermudian in action on the track yesterday with Nirobi Smith-Mills running in the second semi-final of the 800 metres.

Smith-Mills occupied a good early position, but faded after some strong early fractions to finish sixth.

He missed out on qualifying for the final by just one place, finishing ninth overall.