Photos/Videos: Carifta Track & Field Team Return

[Updated with videos] Bermuda’s track and field athletes returned home this evening [Apr 2] on board a charter flight from the Bahamas following their successful competition at the Carifta Games.

The airport welcome area was a sea of hand made signs, balloons and Bermuda flags as proud family and friends gave the team a roaring welcome as they walked out the airport door.

Crowd gathers at the airport:

The athletes were also greeted by Minister Leah Scott and Senator Diallo Rabain. Minister Scott addressed the athletes and congratulated them all especially the medal winners, while BNNA President Donna Watson thanked the traveling supporters for their loud and boisterous support during the Games.

The team brought home five medals, with Kyrah Scraders claiming a gold and a silver, Sakari Famous winning a silver, Zakiyyah Showers winning a bronze, and Juma Mouchette winning a bronze.

On the last night of competition Kyrah claimed the gold medal in a dramatic come from behind victory [watch video here] setting a new Bermuda junior record in the process.

L-R: Kyrah Scraders, Juma Mouchette, Sakari Famous and Zakiyyah Showers:

Bermudians in the stands weren’t sure which way to look because while Kyrah was making her way to the podium to collect her gold medal, Bermuda’s Juma Mouchette was also crossing the line to claim a bronze in the 5000m.

That was the second medal win for Kyrah, who had already won a silver in the 1500m. Zakiyyah Showers won a bronze in the 3000m, while the youngest member of the team, 13-year-old Sakari Famous, opened Bermuda’s medal tally by winning a silver in the high jump on the first morning of competition.

The athletes with Minister Leah Scott and Senator Diallo Rabain:

In addition to the medal wins, there were numerous other strong performances by Bermuda, who competed with 24 other islands throughout the region. Athletes competed in either the under 17 or under 20 divisions for the three-day competition.

Dage Minors just missed out on a medal when he crossed the line 4th in the 1500m, while Daniel Oatley — who won a gold medal in the Jr Caribbean Cycling Championships last year — showed his athletic versatility claiming a 4th place finish in the 3000m.

Slideshow, click right arrow to view next photo:

Justin Donowa finished 5th in the triple jump, Nathan Hartwig finished 5th in the 5000m, and Kerri Furbert also finished 5th in the long jump.

Both Jah-Nhai Perinchief and Chas Smith finished 7th in the high jump, Tiara DeRosa finished 7th in both the discus and the shotput, Bruce DeGrilla finished 8th in the long jump and Ethan Phillips finished 9th in the long jump.

Video of the athletes arriving:

Naquan Smith finished 9th in the javelin, Quinn Simmons finished 9th in the discus, Kionje Somner raced to 9th in the 200m, Quaashie Douglas finished 10th in the 800m while Tahirah Butterfield finished 10th in the 100m.

In the 400m Michaiah Robinson finished 10th, while Antonio Bailey, who is also a top sailor, finished 11th. Recent scholarship recipient Rachel Fox made it through to the 400m finals where she placed 8th, and sprinter Jeneko Place finished 12th in the 100m.

BNAA President Donna Watson:

The track and field portion of the Carifta Games was held in the Bahamas, while the swimming portion is being held in Jamaica. The track and field has concluded, however Bermuda’s swimmers — who have also claimed 5 medals — continue competing tomorrow. You can view all our coverage of the Carifta Games here.

Minister Leah Scott:

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