The Olympic Games may have come and gone, but for Xavier James and coach Brooks Johnson the `torch of desire' still kindles.

And it is with a burning ambition to make it to the next level that Bermuda's top sprinter has attacked pre-season training, incorporating a rigorous regimen which includes track, beach, gym, as well as other specialised drills.

On the horizon are next year's World Championships, Europe's Golden League, and a bevy of minor meets throughout the United States, all of which are being considered by Johnson and his pupil.

Yet, for all the intentions this 24-year-old burgeoning star holds, there remains a factor beyond his control, one which could make or break him ...

money.

James' fledgling career has so far been solely funded from the pockets of his parents, Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James and wife Noreen, with the athlete receiving nothing from Bermuda's elite athletes' fund.

"My association is supposed to apply (for funding), but they say they haven't received any money,'' said James, who has a Masters degree in Physical Education and is currently working as a substitute teacher in the public school system.

"I'm in a situation where my parents are helping me out with everything. And if Bermuda really wants me to go to the next level and really want someone in the next Olympics that's not going to just go and be a contender, but actually a medal placement, they need to start now.

"I'm doing my job as far as training and being next to dead after every training session, but there's only so much I can do because funds are not there.

"Right now I'm taking it a day at a time, because even though I'm the number one sprinter in Bermuda, according to US standards I'm not considered a `big dog' yet.

"But once I get to top notch level in terms of US standards then I might really make some noise, because if I'm on par with those in the US -- the sprint capital of the world -- then I'm ready to do some damage.'' James will likely ease back into competition with a few indoor events, with one in Montreal during the first week of December pencilled in as the starting point.

For Johnson, a legendary track coach who has sent athletes to the Games through five decades, James represents a raw talent still to be harnessed.

It is Johnson's goal to build on the success of last season, where James attained personal bests of 10.19 seconds and 20.87 in the 100 and 200 metres respectively.

"Right now we want to get him into the shape he was in last year and beyond ... we have to take his conditioning to the next level, so that when the psychological and competitive demands are there he's able to respond and answer those demands,'' explained Johnson, who operates out of the purpose-built sporting facility at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

"Yes, we would like to get him doing some racing over in Europe, but the biggest thing is that we have to get the time first. Once you get the time, then you can get in those meets.

"The reality is that, for example, John Smith's group, HSI, they have Jon Drummond, Maurice Green, Ato Bolden, Bernard Williams, that's four lanes. Now, when you throw in (Obadele) Thompson, that's five lanes, then the local favourite, which leaves only two lanes.

"There's only so many lanes, and that's where you have to get in there and run 10-flat or something like that just to get to those kind of meets.'' Xavier James: looking ahead to next year's World Championships and the next Olympics.

ATHLETICS ATH