Record-breaking Caitlyn Bobb elated with award-winning display
Caitlyn Bobb continued her assault on the record books while competing at the America East Indoor Track and Field Championships at Boston University on Saturday.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County freshman broke multiple Bermuda records as well as a school record with personal best times on the way to claiming victory in the 200 and 400 metres.
She also claimed a gold medal as a member of her school’s team that won the 4 x 400m relay and set a new America East Conference record in the process.
“I am very excited with my performance,” an elated Bobb told The Royal Gazette.
“My intention was to perform to the best of my ability and I actually surpassed my expectations.
“Putting all of my worries and anxiousness to God allowed me to fly across the track without even realising I was going that fast.”
Bobb eclipsed Debbie Jones’s 42-year-old national indoor record in the 200m after breaking the tape in 24.02secs to clinch the top spot on the podium.
She then slashed two seconds off her own national record on the way to winning the 400m in 53.50, which was also a new school record.
The Bermudian earned a third gold medal after anchoring her school’s 4 x 400m relay team to victory in a new conference record time of 3min 44.39secs.
Bobb’s impressive showing was then capped off by earning the Coaches Award, Most Outstanding Track Performer and Most Outstanding Rookie awards.
“The America East Conference interviewer said that he does not think he had seen anyone claim the Coaches Award, Most Outstanding Track Performer, and Most Outstanding Rookie,” she added.
“Getting three awards on top of my medals is another surprise, especially as a freshman.
“This meet really brought blessing upon blessings.”
Bobb is managed by her mother, Dawnette, who was delighted by her daughter’s outstanding performance.
“I am pleased with Caity’s times as they are not only indoor personal bests, but demonstrate that she’s resuming her pre-Covid performances,” the former sprinter who represented Bermuda in the 100 metres at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona said.
“Caitlyn was able to execute better arm motion in both races and rebuild confidence in the first part of her 400m.
“Family and friends were watching the live feed and we were excited, nervous and cheering as if we were present. It’s not only about the individual but community that surrounds them.”