Naomi MacGuinness made a massive impact in her first appearance at the Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Barbados, where her two gold medals thrust Bermuda to a second-place finish behind the host nation with 13 medals.

This year’s tally, comprising three gold, six silver and four bronze is more than the eight attained last year in Nassau, Bahamas. Sanchez Smith won the other gold medal for Bermuda on Saturday, a day which saw the island’s up-and-coming stars claim eight podium spots.

After coming out first in her maiden appearance at Carifta on Saturday, the 11-year-old MacGuinness, continued with her exploits on the final day, when she secured her second win, this time in the 11-12 Aquathlon.

The Heritage Day Junior Classic female record-holder bridged a significant gap by sprinting through the field on her way to victory. In the same race, Colette Durkin took the silver after fending off a strong challenge from a Barbados competitor.

The success on the second day had started with Rory Shepherd delivering silver in his first year in the boys 13-15 Aquathlon.

In the mixed-team relay, Bermuda fielded four teams and ultimately clinched the silver and bronze medals, with Barbados taking the gold.

Ollie Hayward, Zara Bule, Jackson Langley and Ella Shepherd were part of the team which home the silver. The quartet of Jamie Bedford, Fenella Wightman, Sanchez Smith and Naomi Smith won the bronze.

Neil de ste Croix, Junior National Coach was impressed by the team’s performance over the two days.

“The commitment and quality of our athletes were on full display in Barbados,’’ De Ste Croix said.

“Their performances were exceptional and I couldn't be more pleased with how they executed their races. Taking 13 medals overall is nothing short of remarkable.”