local flag across the waters to the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

"The swimmers are doing well,'' said national swimming coach Gareth Davies.

"They are very motivated.'' Four -- Geri Mewett, Jenny Smatt, Ian Raynor and Chris Flook -- have already qualified for the summer spectacle. And Davies is hopeful that Bermuda can also qualify a relay team so that a team of seven can be sent.

The four already qualified are all currently attending school abroad and have been active throughout the winter months competing in various meets.

Mewett met the standard for the 100-metre freestyle while competing for Mercersburg Academy at the Eastern Scholastic Swimming Championships in February and Flook did so twice during the NCAA Division II Championships as well as the Regional Championships in both the 100 and 200-metre breaststroke.

Smatt (100-metre breaststroke) and Raynor (50-metre freestyle) both exceeded the requirements during last year's Pan American Games in Cuba.

Although the times have yet to be ratified by the Bermuda Olympic Association, coach Davies said that he is sure this will be done in time for the athletes to be considered for the travelling local contingent.

Two others studying in Canada, Jason Krupp and Michael Cash, are also pressing for a spot. Cash in particular has looked impressive, recently posting Bermuda records in the 200, 400 and 1,500-metre freestlye events at the Regional Championships.

Locally, Craig Morbey embarked on an intensive weight-lifting program during the winter and has looked strong in practice at the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association pool at Saltus.

Davies said that the association will be sending an age-group team, which will be competing at the Age Group Championships being held during the month of July in Trinidad, as well as the Olympic hopefuls to a meet in Waterloo (Canada) in three weeks' time.

The first weekend in May sees the start of the local Spring Series Meet. This leads up to the National Championships in June, which will provide the last chance at qualifying for Barcelona.

Davies said that medalling at the games may not be a realistic goal for the local swimmers.

"We're looking for outstanding competition and times as related to previous performances.

"We just want to see improvement.'' He went on to say that he was pleased with public support, singling out Gibbons Company for particular praise because of its Olympic Boutique clothes line, introduced last year in promotion of local athletes.