The Bermuda Pacers Track Club enjoyed a sensational opening day at the 2026 International Youth Championships, capturing four medals and securing vital final berths at the Prince George's Sport and Learning Centre in Landover, Maryland.
Competing against top-tier regional talent, the young Bermudian contingent delivered a series of gritty, high-calibre performances to firmly plant their flag on day one of the prestigious meet.
The undisputed highlight of the day came on the endurance track, where Riana Robinson put on a masterclass in tactical running. Competing in the Girls 3000m (15-16 Division), Robinson left the field in her wake to storm home in 12:31.78, securing a magnificent gold medal. Robinson later showed her incredible range by returning to the track to finish a highly commendable sixth in the Girls 800m in 2:30.65.
The silver standard was matched twice on a stellar afternoon. Ronan Davidge laid down a superb marker in the Boys 3000m (13-14 Division), digging deep to clock 11:10.91 for a well-deserved silver medal.
Minutes later in the Men's 800m (17-18 Division), Surii Russell showcased his blistering kick. Having already safely navigated the 400m preliminary rounds earlier in the day with a sharp 50.98, Russell clocked a brilliant 2:01.51 in the two-lap final to claim Bermuda's second silver of the day.
The medal count was rounded out in style by Kelise Wade in the Girls 800m (15-16 Division). Wade produced a courageous finish to cross the line in 2:25.74 to bag a superb bronze medal.
Away from the medal podium, the sprint lanes provided plenty of drama as the Pacers standard-bearers navigated grueling multi-round formats.
Jadon Lightbourne proved to be the standout performer in the short sprints. Competing in the Boys 13-14 category, Lightbourne qualified through the 100m prelims in 12.05s before raising his game in the semi-finals. He clocked an impressive 12.21s to secure an automatic qualification spot (Q) for the grand final. Lightbourne also reached the 200m semi-finals, bowing out with a very respectable 25.18s.
There was heartbreak, however, for Jasmine Reid-Rubaine and Amara Samuel, who both narrowly missed out on their respective short-sprint finals despite outstanding efforts. Reid-Rubaine finished 9th overall in the 100m semi-finals (12.89s) and 10th in the 200m semi-finals (26.25s). Samuel mirrored that agonizingly close margin, placing 10th in the 15-16 Girls 100m semi-finals (12.83s) and 15th in the 200m semi-finals (26.29s).
In the field, Amaya Davis flew the flag high in the Girls Long Jump (13-14 Division), placing an excellent sixth overall with a best leap of 4.76m (15 feet 7.50 inches). Team-mate Cataliah Pitcher-Place also gained valuable international experience, finishing 20th with a jump of 3.87m (12 feet 8.50 inches).
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