Clarence “Nicky” Saunders
Clarence Nicholas “Nicky” Saunders is a retired Bermudian high jumper who is considered one of our best athletes of any discipline.
Born 14 September 1963, he became the first Bermudian to win a gold medal at a major event, with his victory at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.
He became the first Bermudian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, and the first to win two medals at Commonwealth level. As of 2010, he remains the only Bermudian to accomplish this.
In addition to the gold medal, he set a new Commonwealth record of 2.36 metres. This remains Mr. Saunders’ career best jump, and twenty years later – as of 2010 – it is still a Bermudian and Commonwealth record.
He has represented Bermuda at three Olympic Games, placing as high as 5th.
Nicky Saunders in 1990 with his Gold Medal. Photo: Olympic.bm
Heavily active during the 1980′s he is part of the golden generation of Bermudian track and field, normally mentioned alongside sprinter Troy Douglas and triple jumper Brian Wellman. Sometimes called the ‘Three Musketeers’ they competed in the same time frame, all placing well in numerous events.
In 2004, he was inducted into the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame. He has also won the Bermuda Athlete of the Year award four times; 1980, 1982, 1987 and 1989.
Although he is based abroad, Mr. Saunders continues to assist the Bermuda Track and Field Association [BTFA].
His athletic accomplishments are numerous and include:
- Won a silver medal at the 1980 Carifta Games
- Won two gold medals at the 1981 Carifta Games
- Won two gold medals at the 1982 Carifta Games
- Won two silver medals at the 1981 CAC Games
- Won two silver medals at the 1983 CAC Games
- Won a bronze medal from the 1985 CAC Games
- Won a gold medal from the 1987 CAC Games
- Won a bronze medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
- Won a gold medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand
- Made three Olympic appearances; 1984, 1988, 1992
- Finished fifth at the 1988 Summer Olympics with a jump of 7’8′
- Held the Commonwealth record with 2.34 metres in 1989
- Set a new Commonwealth record of 2.36 in 1990
- Finished fifth at the 1987 World Championships
- First Bermudian to win more than one medal at the Commonwealth Games
- From 1981 to 1990, he was ranked as one of the top three Commonwealth athletes in the nine times
- In 1987, 1988, and 1990 he was ranked #1 Commonwealth athlete in his discipline
