the arrival of 80 overseas competitors for the swim meet, which gets underway today at the BASA pool.

Athletes from Maryland, Massachusetts and Philadelphia are all set to splash about and test the local youngsters during one of the busiest weeks for swimming.

To emphasize the level of competition expected, top Bermudian female Jenny Smatt has been seeded fourth in the 100 metres freestyle, while Matthew Hammond, who captured five gold medals at the recent Gold Coast Junior Olympics in Florida, is ranked fourth in the 100 metres breastroke.

Qualifying heats are scheduled for today and tomorrow starting at 6 p.m., with the finals being held on Saturday (9 a.m. and 4 p.m.).