Rising Stars Ready For 2025 Carifta Games
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda’s rising stars are set to make an impact at the Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
Several members of the island’s squad will make their debuts at the annual regional competition, which provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.
DeVon Bean, the Bermuda National Athletics Association [BNAA] director of athletics, believes there is medal potential within the travelling party.
“Of the 14 members, 11 are outright qualifiers, which is a strong indication that we’re on the right track,” Bean told Bernews.
One of the standout athletes is sprinter Miles Outerbridge, who will compete in the 100, 200, and 4×100 metres in the Under-20 boys’ division.
Bean believes Outerbridge is well-positioned for a podium finish at the Games, which runs from tomorrow [April 19] to Sunday.
“We have some medal contenders,” Bean said. “Miles Outerbridge has had a phenomenal season, indoor and outdoor.
“He’s definitely in the conversation of standing on the podium with a medal around his neck, whether gold, silver or bronze.”
Another promising competitor is Surii Russell, who will run the 800 and 4×400 metres relay in the Under-17 boys’ division.
Despite not meeting the qualifying standard, Russell has earned his spot through grit and determination, according to Dr Freddie Evans, the BNAA president.
“Surii Russell is competing in his first Carifta and, although he didn’t hit the qualifying mark, he’s demonstrated a toughness. He’s a surprisingly tough kid.”
Meanwhile, Amaris Munya, who competes in the 400 and 800 metres in the under-17 girls’ division, is another debutant, whose attitude and dedication to her sport belies her tender years, according to Evans.
“Amaris is a young lady we’ve watched mature,” he said. “Her focused and approach to her training regimen is almost at collegiate standard.
“She goes about her business so sophisticatedly. When you do that, things are bound to happen for you, whether that’s here or later down the line.”
Another athlete tipped to shine in Trinidad is Zydon Lightbourne-Furbert, who will run the 400, 200, 4×100 metres relay in the under-17 boys’ division.
Lightbourne-Furbert, a Bermuda Under-14 national team footballer, set a meet record at the Russell E Blunt East Coast Invitational in North Carolina last summer.
“He’s a real athlete,” Evans said. “He could so something spectacular.”
The team list as provided by the BNAA earlier this month:
Amara Samuels Bermuda
- 100m U17 [12.17]
- 200m U17 [25.80]
Amaris Munya Bermuda
- 400m U17 [58:20.00]
- 800m U17 [2:21.00]
Bermuda [Male] Bermuda
- 4x100m U20 [42.00]
Bermuda [Male] Bermuda
- 4x400m U17 [3:23.00]
Cameron Adkins Bermuda
- 1500m U17 [9:35.13]
- 3000m U17 [9:20.00]
David Morris Bermuda
- 400m U17 [50.81]
- 4x400m U17
Denver Tucker Bermuda
- 200m U20 [21.30]
- 4x100m U20
Jake Smith Bermuda
- 5000m U20 [16:43.00]
- 1500m U20 [4:20.00]
Kyah Richardson Bermuda
- This registrant is competing on a 4x100m relay only [NM]
Lashee Jones Bermuda
- 100m U17 [12.32]
- 200m U17 [25.25]
Miles Outerbridge Bermuda
- 200m U20 [20.83]
- 100m U20 [10.71]
- 4x100m U20
Norre Robinson Bermuda
- 100m U20 [21.80]
- 4x100m U20
Oliver Hayward Bermuda
- 5000m U20 [16:21.00]
Preston Ephraim III Bermuda
- This registrant is competing on 4x100m relay only [NM]
Riana Robinson Bermuda
- 1500m U17 [5:21.00]
- 3000m U17
Sanchez Smith Bermuda
- 3000m U17 [9:38.80]
- 4x400m Relay U17
Surii Russell Bermuda
- 800m U17 [2:05.00]
- 4x400m U17
Tatiana Sousa Bermuda
- Javelin Throw U17 [37.52m]
Zydon Lightbourne-Furbert Bermuda
- 400m U17 [49:58.00]
- 200m U17 [23.00]
- 4x100m U17
