Dage Minors will continue his preparations for the CAC Games and the NACAC Championships by competing in Europe.

The 22-year-old will compete in England and Sweden next month where he plans to keep himself battle ready and build upon what has already been a superb year, which started with a bang after becoming the first Bermudian to win the KPMG Front Street Mile elite men’s race in January.

“I’m looking to race a few more my times in June in Europe,” Minors said. “I’m looking at the British Milers Club meets and one in Sweden and on top of that I’ll be also looking for some outside funds to allow me to compete and train at a high level.”

The CAC Games will be held in Barranquilla, Colombia, from July 19 to August 3, with the NACAC Championships taking place in Toronto from August 10 to 12.

Minors achieved the qualifying standard to represent Bermuda at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, last month but ruled himself out because of school commitments at Franklin Pierce University.

Minors has major in Sports and Recreation Management and is now pursuing a master’s degree in leadership as a graduate student.

“I was a little upset that I couldn’t make the Commonwealth Games, so as long as I’m injury free I will be at CAC and NACAC,” he said.

Minors ended his collegiate career on a high note after recording a personal best and breaking his own school record in the 800 metres final competing at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina, last weekend.

He placed fifth with a time of 1min 48.53sec to earn All-American First Team honours for the sixth time during his collegiate career.

“The national championship was another great experience,” Minors said. “I was pleased with my performance as that is my fastest 800 I’ve run outdoors. To do that on the second day of competition makes it even better.”

Minors said having his father, Delbert Minors, the former St George’s Colts footballer, in attendance at the Irwin Belk Complex gave him an added incentive.

“Having my dad there was immense,” he said. “He hasn’t seen me compete me much for school live.

“Usually he watches big meets on a stream or has to wait for live results. So having him there for my last one made me give my all even more.”

Commenting on Minors’s superb display, Donna Raynor, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, said: “It was nice to see Dage run his last race for Franklin Pierce with a PB and breaking his own school record.

“This sets him up nicely for the international events coming up this summer.”