Roy-Allan Burch would appear to have it all -- smarts, charming good looks and a swift swimming stroke.

But just don't try to run such compliments past the affable 15-year-old.

For while the Saltus Grammar School student appears on the fast track to not only local but international stardom, having already shattered close to a dozen national age group records, he refuses to adhere to such notions of grandeur.

Instead, Burch continues to toil with the job of perfecting his craft.

Countless hours are spent in the pool each week as he works on refining stroke technique and building the body's tolerance to the burden of pain required if improvements in time and distance are to be achieved.

Currently Burch is viewed as a freestyle sprint specialist, taking in the 50 and 100 metres events. However, both the swimmer and his coach, Stephen Castree, have eyes towards the 200 metres, as well as other disciplines.

Ultimately, just as they did for veteran Stephen Fahy, the Olympics beckon this rising phenom.

"I'm looking towards the Olympics and would certainly like to go there, and that's what I'm training towards,'' said Burch following an early December morning training session at BASA Pool under temperatures most Bermudians would not deem fit for drinking of water, let alone swimming in it.

"It's a goal of mine to get to that point, so I have to put the time in, train hard, and I'll get there.

"I have to keep at it, keep trying. If I don't feel like training, that's when I have to show up on time, every time.'' It all began for Burch when his mother signed him up for swimming lessons, for the sole purpose of having him learn how to stay afloat. Little did she know that this would blossom into such a rewarding exercise for her son.

Admittedly not so sharp on the soccer or cricket pitch, Burch literally took to his new found vocation like -- to borrow the overused cliche -- a fish to water.

"People told me that I had potential, so I've stuck with it,'' said Burch.

"I really wasn't that good at other those other sports, so I didn't do them.'' A solid choice.

For while he may not have the dribbling skills to beat defenders or batting technique to handle pace and spin bowling, his swimming ability far outstrips all his age in Bermuda, and he ranks highly in comparison to counterparts outside the Island's borders.

Coach Castree is one to recognise the tremendous `upside' in Burch, and views him as having a legitimate chance at qualifying for the next Commonwealth Games, to be held in Manchester, England next year.

"Roy-Allan is a great talent, definitely one to watch on the international scene going forward,'' said Castree, when asked of his charge. "He's getting stronger -- and has got stronger over the last year -- training really hard, he's committed, and his times are dropping like people wouldn't believe.

"I think some of the guys that are away at university are starting to stand up and take a bit of notice.

"His current times would rank him in the top five for his age both in the UK and in Canada, and I would guess his personal and initial target is to get to the Commonwealth Games for 2002.

"I think his chances are pretty good. His chance of a relay spot is pretty strong. (But) he wants an individual spot and he's training really hard towards that.'' Just as the always confident and energetic Castree is determined to have Burch and all his young and mature swimmers attain maximum achievement, so is it that the student seeks to maximise his ability.

Indeed it would seem much of Castree has rubbed off on Burch.

"He's a really confident person, one who believes in people and will never put you down,'' said Burch. "He knows you can do it and doesn't ever think negative of you . .. a real positive person, who makes you want to be and do the best you can.

"I feel I can do it.'' Record-breaker: Fifteen year-old Saltus student Roy-Allan Burch has already smashed a number of local swimming marks but is determined to take his talents onto the international stage.