Denmark will use Bermuda as a winter training base in January for its Olympic swimmers ahead of the Rio Games next year.

The Danes have picked the Island for a dress-rehearsal because of the similarities in time-zones. Rio is two hours ahead of Bermuda.

“The pressure for television coverage has resulted in the heats starting at 2pm rather than morning-time and the evening finals starting at 10pm,” Nick Juba, Denmark’s coach, said. “We will be trying to adjust to these out of the ordinary demands whilst we are in Bermuda.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to come to Bermuda, we are looking forward to it very much.”

The team’s training camp in Bermuda was made possible because of the strategic partnership between the National Sports Centre and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, which allows visiting teams to use the facilities at the National Sports Centre based upon the scope of the event, and its impact on the Island.

In this case, the Danish team and coaching staff of about 20 men and women will train in the NSC pool over a two-week period, while staying at CoCo Reef Hotel.

“Between now and March we have visiting college teams using our facilities, high school teams and now an Olympic team,” Amy Fox, NSC aquatics and fitness manager, said. “This is exactly what was envisaged when we focused in on the winter months as part of our agreement with the BTA. I think it’s fair to say this is just the beginning.”

Pat Phillip-Fairn, of the BTA, said: “Naturally we’re very excited. The Danes confirm that our strategy of Bermuda as a sports training ground is a winning strategy, especially as it relates to the shoulder season.”