Sanchez Smith and Naomi MacGuinness are once again enjoying the spotlight after their exploits at the Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Barbados.

The pair, who won national acclaim at the Heritage Day Junior Classic in May, captured Bermuda’s only gold medals in the Caribbean, with MacGuinness victorious twice. They were also part of the mixed relay team that won bronze.

In her maiden appearance at the championships, the 11-year-old MacGuinness, a promising middle-distance runner, proved she is an all-round athlete. The Heritage Day Junior Classic female record-holder romped to victory in the 11-12 girls’ triathlon on Saturday.

MacGuinness was not done winning medals, as she claimed two further accolades on Sunday. First to be secured was the 11-12 aquathlon before bronze in the relay.

“I am so excited and proud to have won two individual gold medals and a team bronze medal first time racing for Bermuda in the Carifta Triathlon Championships,” MacGuinness said.

“The racecourse was incredibly hot with very little shade, so it was quite tough conditions. But I think I had done everything I could to prepare in training this summer.

“I would like to thank all my coaches and my family for all their support. I really enjoyed the experience in Barbados, meeting other triathletes from across the Caribbean and I look forward to competing again.”

Smith ensured that his first medal at Carifta was but the coveted gold in the 13-15 boys’ triathlon, having not got on the podium in his two previous attempts.

“I am very proud to win a gold medal for Bermuda,” he said. “It means a lot to me because of all the hard training I have put in.

“This year I really worked on my swim and I executed my race plan really well. I want to thank my family members, my team-mates and my coaches. Their support around the race gave me so much motivation and meant such a lot.”

Ella Shepherd, who teamed up with Ollie Hayward, Zara Bule and Jackson Langley to win silver in the mixed relay, credited their success in Barbados to tenacity.

“The entire Bermuda team has worked really hard this year and it has been so rewarding for us to win all our medals this weekend,’’ Shepherd said.

“In the mixed team relay, my team-mates and I really pushed ourselves to secure our silver.

“It was an extremely hard race in the heat with 18 other strong teams so I am very happy and proud of our achievement. I am already looking forward to trying to do even better next year.”

For Hayward, the relay was a great opportunity to display what they could do as a combined force.

“For me the mixed team relay was a chance to show off our team talent, as not one person can do this alone,’’ he said.

“I really enjoyed being the starter and passing the baton on to Zara Bule, who had placed so well in her individual race. This gave me the confidence to relax knowing the team was in quick hands.

“Jackson Langley continued our fast pace and showed off his excellent bike-racing skills by making up significant time on the leaders, leaving Ella Shepherd with a tough but successful run to bring home silver for Bermuda.”

Bermuda Triathlon Association president Steven Petty sounded confident about the team’s chances of finally dislodging Barbados.

“The triathlon junior development group continues to go from strength to strength,’’ he said.

“We saw special performances from juniors who last year didn't even travel to take part in Carifta. The overall standard continues to rise and I’m sure the accumulated points trophy is within our grasp next year. All Bermuda participants led with exemplary performances and behaviour.”