Donna Raynor burst into tears of joy after realising a long-term aspiration of being involved in athletics in a global capacity.

The former middle-distance runner and Bermuda National Athletics Association president experienced the highlight of her athletic career after being elected on the World Athletics Council at the organisation’s Congress in Budapest yesterday.

“This has been my dream for a long time,” an elated Raynor told The Royal Gazette.

“This is definitely the pinnacle of my athletic career and the memory of this day will stay with me for a long time.

“I feel I prepared myself for this position my entire athletic career, from athlete to administrator, and that was my platform. Preparation for a position like this is important.

“I didn't tell many people that I was running as I did not know how this was going to turn out. I am so elated.”

Raynor was humbled by the prospect of being able to serve athletics at the highest level as she spoke of the significance of a greater equality for women within the association.

“I am definitely honoured that these countries thought that I had the skills, knowledge and experience to represent them on the WA Council,” she added.

“This is very difficult and there are persons who have sat on this council for a long time and it is not easy to break through, especially as a female.

“I am so pleased to say that there were 12 women who ran and 12 who were voted in.

“That is a huge step for gender equality for World Athletics. We are now 50/50 on the council.

“This was in the constitution for 2027 so we are ahead of schedule for gender balance, and I am excited to be part of this history-making election.”

Raynor’s successful campaign is historic as she is the first Bermudian to be elected to such a prominent position.

“I am elated especially when you look at the make-up of the previous council and for many years before,” she said.

“Most of the members are from the big countries such as the United States, Canada and within Europe.

“We [the Caribbean] now have two females, one from Bermuda and one from Cayman Islands, voted on the council.

“That is a great achievement and a dream that I was not sure would ever come true.”

Raynor’s initial term on the World Athletics Council is for four years during which she and her counterparts will be tasked with making vital decisions on various aspects impacting athletics globally to ensure its sustainability.

“This is the ruling world body for athletics, meaning we decide the policies for athletics, the vision and direction athletics will go in the future, making decisions on everything athletics,” she added.

Raynor said being elected to the role was no easy feat.

“This is one of the hardest things I have done,” she said. “Even though I felt prepared, when you are hoping that 195 countries would vote for you, you don’t know until the votes come up on the screen.

“People say they will vote for you, but as you know they can say that and have no intention of voting for you.

“When I saw my name in green, meaning you were in the top 13, I just cried.

“Everyone around me was jumping and screaming. I had so much support.”

Persistence has paid off for Raynor having previously tried unsuccessfully being elected on the World Athletics Council.

“I ran for a council position four years ago and did not get in,” she added.

“I did not receive many votes but then I had a conversation with someone who has been through the process and we mapped out a plan.

“I applied for the WA Development Commission, was ultimately successful and have been sitting on the commission for four years.

“I also headed up the NACAC Gender Leadership Working Group and was involved in our area as well as the WA Gender Leadership.

“I had to get my name out there to the other countries and let them see what I bring to the table.”

The fulfilment of Raynor’s dream of serving on the World Athletics Council did not come without sacrifice.

“Me stepping down as president of BNAA was part of my plan as I wanted to focus my energy on trying to get voted on the WA Council,” she said. “This has been a goal of mine for a long time to be involved in athletics at the international level.”

The World Athletics Council is headed up by president and former Olympic champion middle-distance runner Sebastian Coe, who was re-elected for a third and final term.