Four Bermuda athletes have so far met the qualification standards for the Carifta Games in Trinidad & Tobago next month.

Warwick Academy classmates Amaris Munya and Tatiana Sousa, and Sanchez Smith, of Saltus Grammar, secured their spots at the Bermuda Pacers Track Club meet at Flora Duffy Stadium on Saturday, joining sprinter Norre Robinson, who booked his spot at the end of January.

On Saturday, Sousa launched the javelin 37.52 metres on her first attempt in the under-17 division to secure her place. Smith clocked 9min 41sec in the 3,000 metres before Munya, an experienced Carifta athlete, stopped the clock at 2:21.63 in the 800 to qualify for the third consecutive year.

Munya, who was given a strong challenge by Rianna Robinson, Kelise Wade and Elena Bortoli, viewed her first two appearances at the annual athletics competition as a learning curve, with the 15-year-old now targeting a podium finish in Trinidad.

“It feels really good to qualify for Carifta for the third year in a row,” Munya said.

“I think I stand a good chance of getting a medal this year. The other years were more developmental and this time around I’m excited because I beat the qualifying time by two seconds.

“My target in Trinidad is to run a 2:17 and that should be good enough for me to get a medal. I’m going to keep on working on maintaining a quicker pace and being able to go faster even if I’m tired.

“This was my first track meet in the 800 metres since June last year, and my race was really good. It felt not very easy, but relaxing and not too hard to a point where I felt like I couldn't go any faster.”

Having made her Carifta debut in Grenada last year, Sousa declared that she is geared up to make an impression this time around.

“I’m excited to compete at Carifta again after an eye-opening first experience, competing against top Caribbean athletes in Grenada,” the 15-year-old said.

“Even though I wasn’t mentally prepared last time, this year I’m more focused and determined to meet my target of 40 metres before Carifta.

“I was nervous about the qualifying meet this past weekend, especially after just making the standard last year, but I stayed focused and continued to work towards my goal.”

“Inter-schools on Wednesday will be valuable practice for Carifta and I aim to beat my personal best of 37.52. Without my coach Terry-Lynn Paynter’s guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am, and I’m ready to push myself further.”

Smith, 14, who enjoyed success at the Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Barbados, is excited by the prospects of competing for the island.

“I had a good race and I’m happy that I was able to make the qualifying time,” the Heritage Day Junior Classic champion said. “I felt really strong and I felt that without the wind, I could have had a faster time.

“I hope that I am picked to be a part of the Carifta track squad and I look forward to representing Bermuda hoping to have a great experience.”

The Bermuda Schools Sports Federation’s high school track and field finals take place at the national stadium on Wednesday and Friday, which presents more Carifta qualification opportunities for young athletes.

Jake Smith, Jaeda Grant, Kelise Wade, the Bortoli siblings, Gianluca and Carina, are some of those in with a chance of qualifying in their respective events, while Munya also has a chance to qualify for the 400 and 1,500 metres.

“I’m looking at qualifying in the 400 metres and to lower the personal best that I set on Saturday in the 800 metres,” she said.

“In the 1,500 metres, I’m looking to get a personal best, and if that means I meet the Carifta qualifying time, I’ll be happy.”