tumbled at the meet being held at the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association pool.

Katie Ryan representing Brevard Swimming Club of Florida was the first to have her name etched in the record books as she smashed the all-comers record in the 400 metres individual medley held by American Michelle Raguso by nearly three seconds. Katie raced home ahead of the field in five minutes, 6.79 seconds.

Not to be outdone, Bermuda's own Jenny Smatt likewise rearranged the books when it came time for the 50 metres butterfly. Smatt covered the distance in 31.41, which bettered the national mark of 31.55 posted by Lisa Blackburn in August 1988, but she missed setting the all-time best of 30.26, held by Michelle Maximo.

In fact, the 50 metres butterfly event was the scene for three new standards.

Todd Pace, who is the United States record-holder in the 100 and 200 metres freestyle short course, likewise showed his might recording a time of 26.17 as he and Raynor (26.35) were both ahead of the previous best of 26.95.

"My basic role here is to help these guys out so that they can make their `cuts','' said Pace, a Floridian currently ranked fifth in the world in the 50 metres freestyle. "It always gets me fired up racing against faster guys...I'm sure my racing against them will get them motivated to go faster.'' With national swimming coach Gareth Davies stalking the sidelines, a bevy of supportive parents and onlookers occupying the bleachers, cheering on the competitors and meet officials armed with stop watches, the first night went off quite well.

Davies said that he was pleased with how the meet had gone thus far and was optimistic of more records being set and swimmers attaining qualifying standards for both the Olympics and the Caribbean Age Group Championships to be held in Trinidad next month. Presently there are nine qualified for the latter and four for the former.

"This meet was set up with the idea of swimmers going out to qualify for the Olympics...after that it is up to the swimming association and the Bermuda Olympic Association.

"We have some really big stars here from abroad and they're taking it (the meet) very seriously. We're aiming for them to really bring out the best in the local swimmers.'' Craig Morbey (freestyle) and Stanley Harris still harbour hopes of joining Smatt, Chris Flook, Geri Mewett and Raynor on the Olympic team. And in addition Morbey, Michael Cash, Mewett and Raynor will be aiming to better the standard of 3:29.6 for the 4x100 freestyle relay.

The meet continues throughout today with heats and finals and on Sunday things commence at 6.30 p.m. Events to watch out for today include the men's 100 metres freestyle as well as the men's 4x100 metres relay, which will have Bermuda competing against a foursome from the United States. Sunday also promises to be action-packed with the top qualifiers meeting one another.

JENNIFER SMATT -- Lowered the 50 metres butterfly national record.