according to Bermuda national track and field coach Gerry Swan.

Speaking following Thursday night's made-for-television gala affair at the Hamilton Princess, Swan heaped great praise on his star pupil for the effort he continues to make in honing his triple-jumping talents.

"I've said it before...he's earned the award,'' said Swan, who guided Wellman from his days as a promising youngster to one who now stands at the threshold of greatness on the world stage.

"He's performed consistently at a world-class level the past two years. I take great pleasure in seeing his development as a person and an athlete.'' Self motivation and the desire to learn and improve were cited as the chief components in enabling Wellman to reach such a high level.

The athlete himself remains his own harshest critic and is never satisfied with just having done "well''.

"My motivation and drive is to be the best,'' said Wellman. "I know I can do a whole lot better and get to where I want to be.'' And where the local wants to be is sitting atop the triple-jump field, while holding a world record under his belt.

In the beginning there were many long, tough afternoons at National Stadium under Swan's watchful eye, with Wellman constantly repeating the required hop, skip and jump movements.

A similar thing occurs now, but on a long distance basis caused by Wellman's attendance at the University of Arkansas where he has to find the will within to push himself to the limit.

Still he and Swan retain a close bond, communicating regularly to discuss methods of improvement.

"What I think it is is that we're both on the same wave-length,'' said Swan.

"He may have heard everything I told him before, but he still listens and has goals which he wishes to achieve.'' "He's a student in his own way and really knows his event. He's an artist.'' Wellman intimated his goals to be winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Canada as well as the Grand Prix finals.

The athlete was due to travel back to Arkansas over the weekend, after his short trip back home to receive the top award. He was a unanimous choice following his achievements abroad in 1993.

CONGRATULATIONS -- Swimmer Chris Flook, one of the eight nominees for the Athlete of the Year, congratulates winner Brian Wellman on Thursday night.