Clarence 'Nicky' Saunders
TRACK & FIELD
Achievements:
Athlete of the Year: 4-time winner in the 1980s
Carifta Games: Gold medalist (1981, 1982), Silver medalist (1980)
Commonwealth Games: Gold medalist (1990), Bronze medalist (1982), Commonwealth Games record holder (1990)
Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games: Gold medalist (1987), Silver medalist (1981, 1983), Bronze medalist (1985)
World Championships: 5th place (1987)
Olympian: Competed in 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympics
National Record: Commonwealth nations high jump record holder (1990-1995)
Biography:
Clarence 'Nicky' Saunders soared to new heights as Bermuda's premier high jumper, dominating the athletic scene during the 1980s. Known for his exceptional talent and sportsmanship, Saunders left an indelible mark on Bermuda's sports history. The Department of Youth and Sports instituted a sports award program in 1980, which Saunders dominated, winning Athlete of the Year four times during the decade. Only Brian Wellman has been honored more frequently for athletic accomplishments.
In 1980, Saunders was awarded Athlete of the Year in recognition of his performance at the Carifta Games, where he earned a silver medal. He followed this success by winning gold at Carifta in 1981 with a record leap of 2.18 meters and again in 1982 by clearing 2.13 meters. Later that year, he added a bronze medal from the Commonwealth Games with a jump of 7'5-1/2".
Saunders, known for his humility and as a positive role model, often shared his message about the dangers of drugs. His sports trading card, issued by the Police Service in the 1980s, featured his motto: "Getting high is what I do best, but getting high on drugs will only bring you down. Stay away from drugs."
During his first Olympic Games in 1984, Saunders had the honor of carrying Bermuda's flag in the opening ceremonies, although he did not make the finals. The 1985 CAC Games saw him win a bronze medal, a slight disappointment after winning silver in 1981 and 1983. However, he achieved gold in the 1987 CAC Games and finished 5th in the 1987 World Championships with a leap of 2.32 meters.
Saunders once again carried Bermuda's flag at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and improved on his previous performance, narrowly missing out on a silver medal and finishing 5th with a jump of 7'8".
The pinnacle of Saunders' career came at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, where he became the first Bermudian to win a gold medal at a major competition. His leap of 2.36 meters set a Commonwealth Games record and held the Commonwealth nations high jump record for five years until Troy Kemp of the Bahamas surpassed it in 1995 by clearing 2.38 meters. Saunders remains the only Bermudian to win more than one medal at the Commonwealth Games.
From 1981 to 1990, Saunders was consistently ranked among the top three Commonwealth athletes in the high jump, achieving the number one ranking in 1987, 1988, and 1990—a record unmatched by any Bermudian.
In 1992, Saunders became one of only five Bermudians to compete in three Olympics, participating in the Barcelona Games. Unfortunately, knee problems hampered his performance, and he bowed out at 7'-3/4".
Legacy:
Clarence 'Nicky' Saunders set the standard for elite athletes in Bermuda, inspiring future generations with his remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence. His record-breaking performances and commitment to promoting a drug-free lifestyle have left a lasting legacy in Bermuda's sports community. Saunders' journey from a young high jumper to an international champion serves as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude.