Jaydon Roberts was jumping for joy in El Salvador after qualifying for the Junior Pan American Games yesterday.

The Bermudian archer travelled to the Central American country in the hope of clinching one of the available spots on offer for Paraguay next year, and did just that with room to spare.

Roberts booked his ticket by finishing sixth among the 16 competitors that faced off in the under-21 men’s recurve elimination matches for the ten qualifying spots up for grabs.

“The past five days have been a great experience for me and I am extremely pleased with my result,” an elated Roberts told The Royal Gazette.

A last-minute switch saw Roberts pitted against Canadian Fazeel Ferouz instead of original opponent Leonardo Da Silva Oliveira, of Brazil, in his opening 1/8 match round.

Taking aim at a 122-centimetre target from a distance of 70 metres, the 18-year-old was equal to the task as he defeated his opponent 7-3 to keep his qualifying hopes alive.

With a spot in the finals now within striking distance, Roberts then squared off against Colombian Ludwin Van Jacob Holguin Caro in the 1/4 match round, which he lost 6-2 to put paid to his title hopes.

But despite being eliminated, Roberts still had cause for celebration having done enough to clinch his spot at the next Junior Pan Am Games.

“We prepared for this and we achieved the goal,” said coach Ross Roberts, who accompanied his son at both events.

“These past five days were non-stop competition. There were two events held this week that Jaydon competed in.

“The first one was the Pan American Youth and Masters Championships where he was ranked in twelfth position.

“Right after this event finished, the next day was qualification for the Youth Pan American Games Qualifier, where he was ranked in sixth position and has secured Bermuda a spot in the 2025 Youth Pan American Games.

“As his coach and father, I am so proud of him.”

Keeping close tabs on the athlete’s progress from back home was assistant coach and mother Trina, who was equally as thrilled and proud of her son’s success.

“Coaching and managing from 2,000 miles away is possible by phone. But when it's your son, and the emotions are high, you are waiting with bated breath to hear the results,” she said.

“I am so proud of Jaydon, well deserved.”