With the London Olympic just weeks away, it’s difficult to ignore two performances last weekend that could change Games history as it applies to Bermuda.Long jumper Tyrone Smith won a high profile meet in Germany and triathlete Flora Duffy claimed a third place finish in a World Cup event in Edmonton, Canada.Could these be precursors to what may unravel in the England capital in the first two weeks of August?Is it realistic to talk about Olympic medals?Without raising expectations or exerting added pressure on the two Bermudians, maybe not.Both athletes might be climbing closer to the peak of their athletics careers.Smith has already struck gold, at the CAC Games in Puerto Rico in 2010, and Duffy, prior to last weekend’s showing, put a World Cup triumph under her belt.While the remaining members of the Island’s eight-strong Olympic squad will be targeting a high finish in their respective events, this pair have an outside or even better chance to step onto the podium.It would shock the world of athletics if they did, but a buzz excitement has been created by their international exploits.In interviews with this paper, both felt they were in the best form of their lives.Smith believes he can post a leap further than his national record of 8.22 metres which would certainly raise a few eyebrows and strike fear among the rest of the field.Duffy has already shown a clean pair of heels to many of the best female triathletes in the world in what has been an outstanding season.She has every right to feel ‘positive’, the word used when asked about her Olympic chances.Following a disappointing performance at the Bejing Olympics four years ago, she was anything but positive. Indeed, her confidence shattered, she gave up the sport for two years before launching a comeback.And what a comeback it’s been.From average amateur to explosive professional, she’s been making headlines not only here in Bermuda but around the globe.Smith and Duffy are at an age now when they are no longer intimidated by their potential rivals. Such is their experience of competing on the world stage, they’re no longer overawed.They’ve beaten some of the best and believe they can do it again, possibly on a day which could define their careers.Neither will be considered medal favourites heading into the Games but by the same token neither will be considered rank outsiders.Heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill remains the Island’s only Olympic history; a bronze at the Montreal Games in 1976, an extraordinary achievement even though the entry was somewhat diluted by a boycott that saw many of the African nations staying at home.Since then there have been a few agonising close calls; tornado sailors Alan Burland and Chris Nash at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, Star sailors Peter Bromby and Lee White at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and indoor world triple jumper Brian Wellman in Barcelona in 1992 at Atlanta in 1996.Burland and Nash placed fifth, Bromby and White fourth and Wellman fifth in 1992 and sixth in 1996.We’ve had Commonwealth and Pan Am Games golds through high jumper Clarence (Nicky) Saunders in Auckland and equestrian MaryJane Tumbridge in Winnipeg, but the Olympic medal continues to elude our top athletes.While it may be unfair, Smith and Duffy could be carrying the hopes of a nation on their shoulders when they step into this year’s Olympic arena.After a season of success, the icing on the cake is still there for the taking.Wishful thinking? Maybe not.* * * *Bermuda’s Under-18 cricket team must have been pleased as punch after walloping the USA in a North American and Americas tournament in Florida this week.They probably deserved a little more publicity than they were afforded.But don’t blame the media who were more than happy to talk to the players about their impressive victory.Unfortunately, when contacted they said, on the instructions of Bermuda Cricket Board’s hierarchy, they weren’t allowed to comment, at least not before getting permission.Clearly that isn’t possible minutes after the game has finished.Coach David Moore apparently has to wear the same muzzle.A policy which requires all cricketers to get the ok from the governing body before expressing their opinions, win or lose, remains in place.It’s tiresome to continue bashing the governing body but they still don’t seem to know the difference between protecting their players and punishing them.Duffy and Smith talked at length this week about their performances. Shame the young cricketers weren’t given the same opportunity.– ADRIAN ROBSON