Donna Raynor says she was “totally surprised” to have been honoured by World Athletics in recognition of her services to the world governing body and to the sport in general.

The former president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association received a Plaque of Merit at the World Athletics Congress in Budapest after being nominated for the honour by her former BNAA colleagues.

“I was totally surprised to receive this merit award, I didn’t have a clue about it,” Raynor told The Royal Gazette.

“I would just like to thank the BNAA. Freddie [Evans] and his team were the ones that submitted my name with my résumé and so on.

“World Athletics has to look at what is submitted and I guess they thought that I merited getting a merit award.”

Raynor is the first Bermuda athletics administrator to receive such recognition, coming fast on the heels of being elected to the World Athletics Council.

“We couldn't be more grateful and proud of the work Mrs Raynor has done to develop and strengthen international relations for Bermuda athletics,” the BNAA said in a statement. “Congratulations again, Donna!”