1. Tiara DeRosa Smashes National Record in Discus, Sets Sights on 55m Goal
Tiara DeRosa made history at the Bermuda National Athletics Association Track & Field Championships by throwing an impressive 50.07 meters in the discus, breaking her previous record of 48.91 meters set in 2018. This achievement not only marked her personal best but also secured her spot for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 27-year-old, who had been working tirelessly to improve her technique after a hiatus from competitive throwing, shared her excitement with The Royal Gazette:
“The feeling is phenomenal and I still have butterflies in my stomach. Once I got into my standing position for the throw and felt all my weight transferred, I knew it was going to be a good throw.”
DeRosa attributed her success to hard work, support from coaches like Gerry Swan and Terry-Lynn Paynter, and overcoming challenges such as coaching changes and the impact of Covid-19. Her next goal is to surpass 55 meters.
2. Caitlyn Bobb & Jah-Nhai Perinchief Steal the Show in Bermuda Track Action
The spotlight at the championships was not only on DeRosa but also on Caitlyn Bobb, who clocked an impressive 53.46 seconds to win the women’s 400 meters. The 22-year-old, recently victorious with Virginia Tech, expressed how special it was to race at home:
“It was really nice racing at home as it’s always nice to come back and see family and the community.”
Meanwhile, Jah-Nhai Perinchief, another local favorite, had a standout performance, drawing crowds with his exceptional athleticism. His achievements are now inspiring a new generation of Bermuda’s rising stars.
3. Ryan Outerbridge Pushes Limits, Eyes Semi-Professional Future
On the second day of the championships, Ryan Outerbridge took the men’s 1,500 meters, finishing in 4:11.44, a result that also served as a crucial training session for him. Despite missing out on the 5,000 meters, Outerbridge’s mindset was clear:
“I’m working on a big training block, where I am aiming to run 100 miles a week. At the moment I’m at 85, so I’m slowly building up to 100.”
This race was a stepping stone as he prepares for the NACAC Championships in the Bahamas in August, marking his transition from collegiate to semi-professional running.
4. Teen Sensation Amaris Munya Shines with Three Medals Before Boarding School Move
At just 15 years old, Amaris Munya showcased immense promise, bagging two golds and a silver at the championships. The young athlete, who will soon head to Florida for school, spoke about her determination and excitement for the future:
“I’m excited for the next chapter I have going for me. I’ll be attending boarding school overseas in the fall and I’m excited for the opportunities and the improvement that I know I will see when I am there.”
Munya’s performances, including a tightly contested 800 meters with Kelise Wade, where Wade triumphed by just 0.02 seconds, have already earned her respect as one of Bermuda’s top rising stars.
5. Rising Stars & Established Athletes Inspire Young Bermuda Competitors
The Bermuda National Athletics Championships wasn’t just a celebration of individual victories—it was an inspiring event for the island’s youth. As local icons like Caitlyn Bobb, Ryan Outerbridge, Sakari Famous, and Jah-Nhai Perinchief competed, they left a lasting impression on the next generation of athletes.
Freddie Evans, president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association, summed it up perfectly:
“We are proud of the contribution by our athletes and we just want to build on that. They were once young so for them to come back and run at home inspires our next generation of athletes.”
As the local season concludes, Bermuda’s athletes are set to compete internationally, aiming for glory at the World Championships in September.
Bermuda’s Tiara DeRosa, Caitlyn Bobb, Ryan Outerbridge, Amaris Munya, Kelise Wade, Jah-Nhai Perinchief, Gerry Swan, Terry-Lynn Paynter, Freddie Evans, Sakari Famous, Suresh Black, Zydon Lightbourne-Furbert, Cameron Adkins, Jake Smith, Aaron Lugo, Surii Russell, Preston Ephraim III, and Roman Jones were the stars who made the Bermuda National Championships a spectacular showcase of athleticism and determination.
