Bermuda’s athletes made a huge impact at the Speed Capital Caribbean Showcase in Miramar, Florida, where they clinched 19 medals.

Mostly from Bermuda Pacers, the 19 athletes did not disappoint against their peers from the United States and Caribbean, when they competed at Ansin Sports Complex last weekend.

Leading the medal haul was Raina Robinson, who finished first in the 14-year-old girls 800 metres, 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres. Norre Robinson, from Dash Track Club, who was included on the trip, captured a gold medal in the 17-18 boys 100 metres in a time of 10.74sec and a silver in the 200 metres (22.17).

He was presented with his gold medal and plaque by former world champion Justin Gatlin, who was at the venue on both days, taking photos, presenting awards, and even autographing medals for the young athletes. Robinson used the meet to prepare for the Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 to 21.

DeVon Bean, Robinson’s coach at Dash and national level, was grateful to Pacers for taking the young athlete to Florida.

“First, I'd like to thank Bermuda Pacers for providing this opportunity for Norre to represent Dash at the Speed Capital meet,” Bean said.

“It is these kinds of opportunities and collaborations that will foster the growth of the sport in Bermuda. I'm overall pleased with Norre's performance as it is a good indicator that we are on the right track in training.

“We're hitting the targets we've set as we prepare for the ultimate goal of reaching the Carifta Games final, which is a reality based on the work Norre has done and the effort he puts in.

“Norre was also mesmerised to meet Justin Gatlin, one of the fastest men the world has ever seen.”

Sukanya Jobson came out tops in the 13-year-old girls 800m and Elena Bortoli in the 13-year-old girls 1,500 metres. Gianluca Bortoli secured gold in the 15-16 boys 3,000 metres as well as silver in the 1,500, while Aaron Lugo was the champion in the 17-18 boys long jump.

Silver medals were won by Jasmine Reid Rubaine in the 13-year-old girls 200, Jaeda Grant in the 17-18 girls 800 and 1,500, Nazir Johnson in the 15-16 boys and Timothy Pearman in the 14-year-old boys 1,500. Pearman also took bronze in the 400.

While they did not win medals, there were athletes who made it to the finals of their individual events. Raelyn Robinson ran in the 7-year-old girls 100 and 200, and also placed fourth in the long jump.

Lashee Jones raced in the 15-16 girls 100 and 200 metres finals, while Amaya Davis did so in the 13-year-old girls 100 decider.

Team manager Susan Robinson stated that the 19-member team totally fulfilled the expectations of the club.

“Many of the athletes produced personal-best performances,” she said.

“Lashee Jones, Raina Robinson and Nazir Johnson, running in the 100, 400 and 1500 metres respectively, were just outside the qualifying standards for this year’s Carifta Games.

“The event attracted more 1000 athletes from the United States and the Caribbean.”