Pacers Heading to 2026 International Youth Championships
IslandStats.com
This weekend the Bermuda Pacers Track Club will continue to promote their track club overseas as they compete at the 2026 International Youth Championships.
This event will be held over three days from Friday, July 17th, 2026, through to Sunday July 19th, 2026. It is hosted by the Glenarden Track Club, and it is the first time the club has competed at this meet.
This event attracts athletes from across the east coast and the Caribbean representing over 210 teams and 1600 athletes. The event will take place at the Prince Georges Sport and Learning Centre in Landover Maryland DC.
The team consists of 19 athletes between the ages of 8 and 18. Seven athletes will be representing the club internationally for the first time.
The 19-member team will compete in 48 individual events. Surii Russell, and Tobiah Goodchild the senior male athletes on the team, will compete in the 17-18 boys’division in the 200, 400 and 800 metres respectively. Russell, a member of the 2026 Bermuda’s NACAC Under 18 team that competed in Mexico this past weekend in the 800 and 400 metres ran an impressive time 2:04.73 finished eighth overall and ran a personal best time in the 400 metres in 49.9. Goodchild who has been a member of the club since the age of 8 plans to dominate his 1500 metres event.
In the 15-16 girls’ division, the club will see four promising female athletes compete, Riana Robinson, Brianna Lightbourne, Kelise Wade and Amara Samuel. Lightbourne, Samuel, a guest athlete from DASH track club will compete in the 100 and 200 metres. This will be Lightbourne’s debut appearance. Wade will compete in the 200, 400, and 800 metres. Distance specialist Robinson a Carifta athlete, will compete in three events the 800 metres, 1500 metres and 3000 metres.
In the 13-14 girls’ division. The club will have sprinters Cataliah Pitcher-Place and Jasmaine Reid Rubaine compete in the 100 and 200 metres. Pitcher Place will also compete in the long jump. Distance runner Mylah DeSilva will compete in the 200, 400 and 800 metres. Amaya Davis, the jump specialist in the age group, will compete in the long and triple jump. In the 13-14 boys’ division, the club will have 3 very capable young men compete, Jadon Lightbourne one of the most promising sprinters on the island will compete in the 100 and 200 metres. Middle distance runner Jemani Scott who ran personal best times during the recently held National Championships, will compete in the 400 and 800 metres. Ronan Davidge the distance runner in the 13-14 boys’ division, will compete in the 1500 and 3000 metres.
In the 11-12 girls’ division, the club will have BSSF Primary School Champion Gabrielle Saunders. Saunders will compete in the 100, 200 and 400 metres. This will be Saunders’ first time competing for the club and at an international event.In the 9 -10 girls ‘division you will see Giselle Reid Rubaine, Sazise Lobese and Novi Butler compete in the 100, 200, and long jump.
Sazise Lobese and Novi Butler will be making their debut appearance at an international event. In the 9-10 boys’ division Elliott Davidge will be the lone athlete in this division. He will compete in the400 metres, 800 metres and 1500 metres. At the last international event that Elliott competed in, he was crowned the outstanding athlete in the 8 and under boy’s division.The youngest member of the team is Kayjay Davis. He will compete in the 8 and under boy’s division in the100, and 200 metres. The team will be accompanied to the meet by Pacer executive members, coaches and several parents.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Bobb Secures Podiums Finish at Harry Jerome Classic
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Bermuda’s national record holder Caitlyn Bobb produced a strong performance on the international stage, claiming third place in a stacked Women’s 400m Premium race at the annual Harry Jerome Track Classic.
Staged at the historic Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia, the prestigious meet once again served as a hallmark fixture on the North American circuit, bringing together Canada’s elite athletes alongside top-tier global talent in a celebration of sport and community.
Lining up against a highly competitive field in the marquee quarter-mile event, Bobb showed her trademark early aggression out of the blocks. The 23-year-old Bermudian Olympian fought hard around the final bend to clock a highly respectable time of 53.56 seconds, holding off a late charge from the United States' Brianna Green to seal her spot on the podium.
The race was captured by Canada's Grace Konrad, who took a commanding victory on home soil with a blistering time of 52.35 seconds. Her compatriot Ella Clayton secured the runner-up spot in 52.80 seconds, leaving Bobb to comfortably round out the top three.
For Bobb, who has been steadily cementing her status on the global professional circuit following a standout collegiate career, the podium finish offers another valuable indicator of consistency against elite senior competition.
Bobb said, "I am very satisfied with my time! The overall season has been very challenging, navigating creating my own structure that I had in the NCAA has been very difficult. My times this season are not a reflection of me, but the journey and ups and downs of the season.
With that being said, Alhamdulilah, I’m finding my footing, navigating the season better, and am in an overall better mental state.
I’m not mad this is how the season is going because with hardship, does come ease. This season has been filled with manyyyy lessons so this race is a stepping stone in the right direction, and I’m a lot more confident, hopeful, and optimistic about the Commonwealth games!"
Monday, July 13, 2026
Podium Finish & Season Benchmarks for Bermudian Duo
IslandStats.com
Bermudian middle-distance athletes Nirobi Smith-Mills and Jake Brislane delivered highly encouraging performances on the track, securing top-six finishes at the prestigious British Milers Club (BMC) Grand Prix at Woodside Stadium in Watford.
Competing against elite international fields in tricky, windy conditions, both runners made significant statements as they progressed through their respective summer European campaigns.
In the Men's 800m 'C' race, Nirobi Smith-Mills claimed a hard-earned spot on the podium after a fierce tactical battle.
The Nottingham Trent University student negotiated a dense pack, digging deep over the final 200 metres to cross the line in 1:49.09.
Smith-Mills narrowly missed out on the runner-up spot, which was taken by Ireland's Bobby More (1:48.98), while England's Harry Forman Wilshaw took the race victory in 1:48.51.
Stepping up in distance, Jake Brislane produced an incredibly disciplined performance in a cagey, tactical Men's 3000m showcase.
Representing Warwick University, Brislane kept pace with a fast lead group that was forced to contend with strong headwinds along the back straight. He crossed the line in a strong 8:16.00 to seal sixth place overall.
The race was won by local favourite James McMurray, who clocked a lifetime personal best of 7:53.48.
The strong showings continue an excellent upward trajectory for both young Bermudian prospects as they test themselves against top-tier continental fields.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Sousa Secures Javelin Silver at NACAC Championships
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Bermuda’s young athletes wrapped up their campaign at the 2026 NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Track and Field Championships in Apizaco, Mexico, highlighted by a superb podium finish on the field.
Tatiana Sousa claimed a magnificent silver medal for the island contingent with an outstanding performance in the Under-18 Women's Javelin.
Faced with a highly competitive continental field and the added challenge of Apizaco's high altitude, Sousa produced a superb series of throws. Her top effort of the day measured an impressive 39.33m (129 feet), a distance that proved enough to secure second place and a spot on the podium.
While Sousa provided the medal-winning headline on the field, Bermuda also saw a strong showing on the track in the middle-distance events.
Under-18 Men's 800m: Surii Russell battled hard in a fast, tactical continental final, clocking a time of 2:04.73 to finish a commendable eighth overall.
The championship concludes a valuable week of high-level international experience for Bermuda's emerging athletics talent, competing against the absolute best junior competitors from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Famous Equals National Record to Win on Pro Debut
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Sakari Famous enjoyed a dream start to her professional high jump career, securing a stunning victory at the Murphey Classic while matching her own national record.
The 26-year-old transitioned seamlessly into the pro ranks, clearing a majestic 1.85 metres (6ft 0.75in) to claim the top spot on the podium.
The leap mirrors the spectacular national benchmark she set just weeks ago in Texas, demonstrating remarkable consistency as she establishes herself on the elite international circuit.
Faced with a highly competitive field for her professional bow, Famous showed immense composure over the bar, focusing entirely on technical execution rather than the occasion.
"I went into this meet with no expectations and only a focus on executing what I’ve practiced," Famous said after her victory. "I’m nothing but grateful for my performance!
"Also, I’m truly blessed to have great guidance from Marissa Chew and sooo much support from my training partners, friends and family. I’m glad to have put up a great effort this past weekend."
The performance is a massive boost for the Bermudian as she continues to build momentum in her outdoor campaign, validating her decision to join the professional ranks under the watchful eye of coach Chew.
With her technical precision firing on all cylinders, Famous looks well-positioned to raise the bar even higher as she represents Bermuda on the world stage in Scotland.
