Sanaa Rae Morris came away from the New Balance Nationals held in New York at the weekend with plenty of positives, after earning All-American honours as part of IMG Academy’s 4 x  200 metres relay team.

Morris, who is still pushing to qualify for next month’s Carifta Games in Jamaica, helped her team to the bronze medal with a time of 1min 40.47sec in what was a busy outing for the sprinter.

She also featured in IMG’s 4 x 400 team which finished eleventh overall with a time of 4:01.81, as well as individually in the Open 200 metres, placing second in her qualifying heat in 25.69, which was good enough for an overall finish of 23rd.

“Reflecting on my performance this weekend, I am proud of my team as well as my personal performance,” Morris said.

“Having the opportunity to compete in and qualify for the New Balance Nationals was eye-opening and definitely an experience to remember.”

The meet was held at The Armory from March 11 to 13 and featured high school athletes from across the United States that competed for All-American honours.

Despite her successes on the weekend, Morris is yet to achieve one of her major targets for the season, a place on Bermuda’s team to the marquee regional youth athletics championships.

“My personal best [200 metres] is 25.25 and I have been striving to reach the under-20 qualifying time of 24.68 or better for Carifta but I haven't qualified yet,” Morris added.

“I am trying my very best so that I can make the team to help represent my country.

“Qualifying for Carifta this year would be a big deal for me. Prom falls on the same weekend, but Carifta is far more important to me. Wish me luck!”

Morris met the Carifta qualifying standard in the 200 and 400 last year.

However, the Games, which Bermuda was scheduled to host, were cancelled for the second straight year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Morris is gradually getting back up to speed having suffered an injury setback earlier this year.

“I suffered from a ruptured baker’s cyst on the back of my knee this season, but it is in the process of healing,” she said.

“Despite this knee injury, I am pushing through this rough patch and looking for bigger and better things further on into the season. This is not over yet.

“I want to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my journey. It really and truly means a lot.”