Bermuda's talented youngsters leave for the Carifta Games in the Bahamas today fully aware that huge challenges lay ahead if they are to to surpass their five-medal haul of a year ago.

While nobody was making any predictions about what the tally will be this time around, the consensus is that Bermuda's 12-member squad has the same potential as the squad that did so well in Barbados.

"If we get the same number of medals, or close to that, this year it will be quite an achievement because most of the athletes have moved up to the Under-20 age group," said national coach, Gerry Swan. "Everybody is in shape to achieve personal bests and in some cases some significant personal best performances.

"There are a few cases who I believe will be medal contenders, there are a few others who I think if they get into the top eight that will be quite an achievement given the quality of competition.''

Seven of Bermuda's athletes will compete in the Under-20 age group while the remaining five will be in the Under-17 age group. The Under-20s are Richard Walcott (1500 and 800 metres), Derrick Golding and James Bergl (both in the shot putt and discus), Crystal Hayward (shot and discus), Shar-Dae Whitter and Tiffany Eatherley (both in 1500 and 800 metres) and Zindzi Swan (high jump and long jump).

The Under-17 age group members are Husayn Brown (1500 and 800 metres), Jenny Palmer (1500 and 800 metres), Danielle Watson (400 and 200), Latroya Darrell (high and triple jump) and Brittney Marshall (shot put and discus).

Bergl, Brown, Palmer and Darrell will not only experience their first Carifta Games, but will also be taking part in their first ever international competition.

Golding, Hayward, Whitter, Eatherley and Swan all competed in the Under-17 category last year but this year face bigger challenges as they move up to the more competitive Under-20 group.

Marshall and Swan were the two athletes who captured gold in Barbados, the former being one of the firm favourites to do well again.

Marshall is the defending gold medallist in the shot put and much is once again expected of the youngest member of the squad.

She and the silver medal winner produced identical best throws at last year's competition and as a result their second best throws were used to determine their final positions.

Marshall also won a silver in the event two years ago and is aiming to be in the medals in the discus as well this time.

Swan has qualified in four events - high jump, long jump, triple jump and 100 metres - but given the Carifta Games competition schedule she will only be competing in her speciality events, of the high jump and long jump.

Swan won gold in the high jump last year and also set a new Bermuda record with her clearance of 1.71 metres.

On two occasions last month she improved her national high jump record, first to 1.73 metres (5ft 8ins) and then to 1.74 metres (5ft 8.5ins). She has recorded distances of 5.73 metres and 5.74 metres in the long jump.

The team will be accompanied by manager Roger Lee, assistant coach Sonja Showers and Swan. Bermuda Track and Field Association president Judith Simmons will also be making the trip.