Peter Bromby and Lee White may have come up short in their medal quest, however the pair remain golden in the eyes of supporters.

A team of weekend warriors stacked against a deck of professional sailors, Bromby and White have found ways to upstage more regarded competitors.

Indeed the likes of defending Olympic champion Torben Grael and multiple world champion Star racer Mark Reynolds have felt the venom and respect the `beast' that is Bromby.

"I think it's certainly quite an accomplishment what he's done, particularly with the fact that he's sailing against other sailors that do this for a living,'' said Penny Simmons, who as crew for the legendary Kirk Cooper at the 1964 Games in Tokyo placed fifth in the Dragon class.

Another past participant, Chris Nash, noted his premonition of a medal being returned to the Island, and how up until Thursday this feeling remained.

"I had a gut feeling when they left and I told (Bermuda Olympic president) Austin Woods that I thought we had a medal in store and it looked like that would happen right up until yesterday,'' said Nash, fifth in the Tornado Class at the Los Angeles Games in 1984 while crewing for Alan Burland. "I would rank their performance among the top three we've produced...'' Sister Kathy Bromby echoed such compliments, noting the particular pleasure experienced by the family.

"I'm sure he's disappointed, but he's done us and Bermuda proud and can be pleased with his performance against guys that are generally professional sailors,'' she said. "He's just an amateur sailor.. . a professional truck driver.'' Wife Carol Bromby, outwardly the least caught up in all the excitement, expressed her happiness at having her husband and White experience their passion, one that has brought both heartache and joy.

"I'm just happy that they've both been able to live out their dreams of taking part in the Olympics and doing well,'' she said. "They've worked really hard to get there and it's paying off for them.'' Meanwhile, Lee's wife -- Lesley -- noted how regardless of their not winning a medal, just to win a race was clear indication of the pair's quality.

"They've had an extremely good regatta against a strong fleet and to win an Olympic race is a great feat in itself,'' said White. "They were in medal contention for a while, but no matter what they've done tremendously well.'' The mood inside Sandys Boat Club (SBC), of which both Bromby and White are members, had been intense elation that one of the `home boys' has come good.

"We've all been watching intently what Peter's been doing and it's really great that they've been able to achieve the success that they have,'' said SBC commodore Martin Siese. "Everyone's been around the club checking out the results. We all feel proud that he's been able to do so well, especially coming from this club.''