Some of the new members of Bermuda’s Carifta Games squad are eager to shine on the track.

Amara Samuels, Riana Robinson and Surii Russell will be making their first appearances in the competition, with the action taking place from Saturday until Monday in Trinidad & Tobago,

Samuels, one of the youngest in the 16-member team, is anxious as she prepares to take to the track in the 100 and 200 metres.

“I feel nervous as this is my first time going to Carifta, but I hope to do good and will try my hardest to show that I can do this,” the 14-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“I was thrilled when I met the Carifta qualifying standard. When my mum and dad told me the time, I was overjoyed to make it as this was my first year being able to qualify. it was my goal and I am very happy that I have achieved it.

“My coach has encouraged me to work hard and go for this goal since I started running and believed that I could do it. My team-mates were also happy for me. I got lots of congratulations and advice for Carifta.”

The Bermuda High School for Girls students wants to enjoy her first Carifta experience, with the hope of building for future success.

“As it is my first year, I want to take this more as an experience,” she said.

“I hope to make it to the finals and achieve a new personal best. Next year, I am hoping to go bigger and aim for a spot on the podium.”

While he fell agonisingly short in his quest to meet the qualifying standard, Russell is grateful to have been given an opportunity to race for the island in the 800 metres and the 4x400 relay.

“Qualifying in the 800 took a bit more effort, especially with the goal of cutting five seconds off my personal best to make the Carifta standard,” the Bermuda Institute student said.

“Even though I gave it my all, I didn’t quite make the qualifying time. In the 400m, I came just short of the standard.

“I feel that with a bit more time, I could have met the qualifying mark – especially since wind conditions affected my performance at two meets. One had strong winds and the other had some wind that still impacted my times.”

The 16-year-old, who is a member of Pacers Track Club, is determined to give his all with the hope of attaining his personal best in Trinidad.

“My aim is to give my best effort at the Carifta Games," he said. "I will hopefully set a new personal best in the 800 metres.

“I’m also looking forward to taking it all in, enjoying the experience and watching my peers compete as well.”

Robinson’s previous Carifta experience has been in the triathlon. As she gears up to run the 1,500 and 3,000 metres, the Whitney Middle School student is already looking to the future.

“I’m really excited and proud to have qualified for Carifta, so I look forward to representing Bermuda with pride,” the 13-year-old said.

“Since this is my first time representing Bermuda in Carifta track, I’m hoping to gain experience, do my best, and learn from the competition with hopes of making the team again next year.

“My coaches, team-mates and family have been super supportive. They all push me in training and always encourage me to keep improving.”

Cameron Adkins was one of the first to meet the qualification standard. The 1,500 and 3,000 runner is heading to Carifta for a third year.

“I was grateful to qualify early as that reduced stress and allowed me to focus on competition preparation,” Adkins said.

“I’m focused on running my own race according to plan. In terms of preparation, I’ve run over 50 miles a week, raced competitively all season in the United States to be ready for Carifta.

“I have strong team-mates at Christ School in North Carolina under coach Randy Ashley.”

Meanwhile, Bermuda’s team has been reduced following the withdrawal of sprinter Denver Tucker.

Freddie Evans, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, said that Tucker’s presence would have boosted Bermuda’s chance of securing a spot on the podium in the relay.

“Denver Tucker is not travelling to Trinidad because he has to sort out his travel documents.

“With him part of our 4x100 relay team, we stood a good chance of winning a medal.”