freestyle relay team did not disappoint as they surpassed the Olympic qualifying standard by over two seconds at the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association pool last night.

Where there had never been so much as one swimmer go under 52 seconds for 100 metres, three of the four members did so in this their last chance at qualifying as they beat a make-shift team from the United States.

Michael Cash (51.8), Craig Morbey (51.3) and Geri Mewett (51.06) each swam under the barrier while lead-off man Ian Raynor gave them a solid start with a 52.75.

"What they did is absolutely magnificent,'' said national coach Gareth Davies of the team's performance. "Out of a population of 50,000...to have three go under 52 (seconds) is just fabulous...it's a hell of a time.'' Cash, who along with Morbey had yet to earn a berth in Barcelona entering the meet, was equally ecstatic and had high praise for his coaches.

"It feels good,'' said Cash. "We're just out here trying to reach our full potential and want to compete on the highest level.

"I just thank Gareth Davies and Richard Goodwin for the time they put in early mornings coaching us and everything...it was earlier than real human beings should be up and out of bed.'' However, attaining the standard does not guarantee the foursome inclusion in the party for Spain as it will be left up to the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) whether or not to include Cash and Morbey -- Raynor and Mewett have already qualified in individual events as have Chris Flook and Jennifer Smatt.

In Spain, there have been serious doubts cast on the host's ability to adequately house athletes and the organising committee has instructed countries to streamline squads. So, the BOA may be reluctant to add more names to the list at this stage.

Nevertheless, there was much to cheer about all weekend long with records tumbling.

Brevard Swimming Club's Katie Ryan led the way breaking three records, including the 50 metres butterfly (30.47) and 200 metres individual medley (2:22.84), beating Bermuda's Jenny Smatt on each occasion. She garnered yet another record in the 50 metres backstroke, coming home in an impressive time of 31.53.

Smatt still managed to shine with national and all-comers records in the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke. She clocked 1:12.71 for the 100, to better her own record, and turned in a 2:35.27 in eclipsing the previous 200 metres mark by over a second.

On the men's side, Seth van Neerden of Florida dominated each of his events and fellow Americans Joel Thomas and Todd Pace also showed their worth, stretching the local men to their maximum level.

"The whole objective was for them to push us,'' said Ian Raynor, one of those guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team. "I always like to rise to the occasion. I saw Joel (Thomas) this morning on television in an overseas meet and it made me feel good to beat this big guy.'' Raynor came in ahead of Thomas, who will be on the United States' 4x100 metres relay team at the Olympics, in the 50 metres freestyle and was third behind him and Pace in the 100. The tough competition clearly brought out the best in the 20-year-old and he was rewarded with a personal best in the former, managing a 23.65.

Apart from the better known senior swimmers, many of the younger ones were able to improve on past performances although none were added to the number travelling to Trinidad for the Caribbean Age Group Championships next month.

Still they gave much excitement to the crowd, which had much to cheer about over the three days of the event.

"The level throughout all the age groups has been excellent,'' said BASA president Chris Greetham. "It is very satisfying to see such good performances.

"I think that swimming at the moment is as strong as it's ever been, especially with the youngsters coming through. And much of this is due to the tremendous support from parents and coaches...and dedication on the part of the swimmers.'' TEAM EFFORT -- Mike Cash and anchor leg swimmer Geri Mewett embrace after the 4x100m freestyle relay team went inside the Olympic qualifying standard yesterday.