BNAA Sending Athletes To Speed Capital Meet
The Bermuda National Athletic Association [BNAA] is sending a cadre of athletes to the Speed Capital meet in West Palm Beach Florida.
A spokesperson said, “In conjunction with the recently established partnership with BermudAir, the Bermuda National Athletic Association is sending a cadre of athletes to the Speed Capital meet in West Palm Beach Florida.
“BNAA President Dr. Freddie Evans is excited about the recently forged relationship with BermudAir and equally excited for the possible qualification attempts this weekend.
“In the Under 20 division, 2023 Carifta Octhalon Bronze medalist Jauza James will be joining the team in attempt to demonstrate the ability to compete in four events in a day while earning the necessary point total to qualify for Carifta.
“Jake Smith of the Developing National Athletics Club [DNA] is seeking to earn his second Carifta team birth by participating in this meet in the 1500m. Jake’s club teammate and another Carifta Squad hopeful Jayson Simons will be competing in the 800m and 1500m.
“Maximillian Reid is looking to book his first Carifta opportunity in West Palm in the 800m and 1500m.
“I’Aura Golding, Bermuda’s 100m hurdler, will be looking to reach the standard in West Palm Beach also. Aaron Lugo, who has demonstrated incredible improvement and tenacity, is seeking to book a place in the Carifta team too.
“J’Naz Richards will attempt to book her third appearance in the Carifta games by competing in the 100m and long jump at Speed Capital.
“President Evans lamented that the BNAA has a focus on developing and promoting athletic excellence and we are very focused on athletes acquiring the Carifta standard to be eligible to be selected for the 2024 Carifta team, but we are also realist, our local weather has not been conducive for anyone to run or jump to the standard, that is why we have been looking for overseas alternatives for our athletes to have the opportunity to compete.
“Evans glowingly described the Under 17 participants led by Jaeda Grant who has already qualified for her third Carifta games. Joining Jaeda is Amaris Munya, who Evans has high praise for, Amaris is trying to earn her way onto the Carifta team for the second time in the 400m and 800m. Also in that category is Azari Jones, who is running the 3000m and 1500m. Evans is hopeful that with a change of venue, these athletes will hit the standard that qualifies them for Carifta.
“For the first time in a long time, Bermuda has a squad of female sprinters who are vying for spots in the Carifta team, with athletes who are studying abroad: Elise Dickinson [200m & 400m] and Arima Turner [100m & 200m], who have already met the standard, Lashee Jones [100m, 200m, 400m] Hannah Dill [100m, 200m], Sanyia Place [200m & 400m] and Pria Wilson [100m & 200m] will be vying to meet the standard and make the Carifta team. Evans says he is really excited about these young ladies. Elise and Lashee are athletes who have the range to run in 100m to the 400m and in Elise’s case, she could deliver a solid 800m.
“Sanyia Place missed Carifta last year because of an injury; however she is back, and she has returned to speed and form. Pria Wilson, potentially one of the fastest in this group, moved abroad for school but has been training and will join the team in West Palm Beach in an effort to make the squad. Evans holds out the newcomer Hannah Dill for praise, Evans says despite being new, Hannah comes to training and works extremely hard and has a legitimate chance at booking a spot in the 2024 Carifta team during this track meet.
“200m and 400m specialist Daylen Scott, who also is studying in Florida, will join the team in an attempt to qualify for the Carifta team.
“We’re also looking at 2025 and 2026 Carifta games, including a couple of up and comers in this travel package as Rhianna Robinson [800m & 1500m] and Jasmine Reid–Rubaine [400m and 800m], will be competing in their first Speed Capital event.
“In other Carifta news, Jake Brislane, bronze medalist in the 5000m in 2023, who has already qualified for the 2024 team in the 5000m, has posted a sterling 1500m time 0f 4:05.6 in a trial time in Madrid Spain.
“The head coach for this effort is Pacer’s head coach Cal Simons. The manager and assistant coach is Ms. Janine Scott. Norbert Simons is coaching the sprinters and Mrs. Susan Robinson is the parent chaperone.
“BNAA is grateful for all of their support.”
