arctic blast experienced recently, however this has not prevented Graham Smith making quite a splash.

Recently competing at the Atlantic Universities Athletic Association Swimming Championships at Dalhousie University, Smith was named Male Rookie of the Meet for some extraordinary performances.

Smith destroyed two national age group records (15-18), clocking one minute, 4.18 seconds in the 100 metres breaststroke, to smash former holder Chris Flook's time by an amazing 2.38 seconds, and then returning to shatter his own mark in the 200 metres by more than three seconds, being timed in 2:22.10. In fact, since first breaking the 15-18 200 record in 1998, the swimmer has improved on his time by a massive 9.5 seconds. And not only did the record times qualify the young Bermudian for the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union Swimming Championships to be hosted by Guelph University this weekend, but also allow him to take part in the Canadian National Championships set for Edmonton, Alberta next month (March 14-17).

Stephen Castree, Smith's coach at Harbour Swimming Club, was understandably delighted with his protege's latest performances.

"These times are a remarkable improvement and pay testament to the work put in by a combined group over the last 12 months, both in the gym, in the pool and on the beach,'' said Castree. "Graham is now only a second away from Chris Flook's national open record in the 100 metres (1:03.05) and a half-second from the 200 metres record (2:21.69) set nine years ago.

"It is only a matter of time until he makes these records his own.'' Indeed, the relationship between local swim clubs Harbour and Sharks appears to be bearing fruit, with the likes of Smith and Roy-Allan Burch following in the footsteps of Olympian Stephen Fahy, Matthew Hammond, Stephen Troake and Trevor Ferguson, all of who have gone on to great success beyond the Island's borders.

"These times are very close to what we would expect to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and approaching Olympic standard for 2004 in Athens,'' added Castree.

"Bermuda could have a very strong relay team at Commonwealth and Pan Am level and the team could possibly target Olympic qualification.'' Stephen Castree: optimistic.