Siblings Emma and Jack Harvey are relishing the special opportunity to represent Bermuda together as they prepare to experience their first Commonwealth Games.

The duo, who make up the island’s swimming contingent alongside Madelyn Moore, join the 17-strong Bermuda team, headed up by Dame Flora Duffy, and including her fellow triathletes Tyler Butterfield, Erica Hawley and Tyler Smith, as well as track and field athletes Caitlyn Bobb, Tiara DeRosa, Sakari Famous, Dage Minors and Jah-Nhai Perinchief, and squash player Emma Keane.

Within their own discipline, both are excited to fly the flag this month in Birmingham, England, in what will be the highlight of their burgeoning career.

“It’s really exciting to be heading to Birmingham for our first Commonwealth Games. I can’t wait to get there and compete,” Jack said.

“It was really exciting to be named as a part of the squad. The last couple of years I knew it was possible that I could go, so to finally gain a spot was a real relief and a lot of excitement.

“It’s amazing to think about some of the people we will be competing against. There’s athletes there that we have been watching for a long time and to know we are now going to be racing against them is just really exciting.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Emma, who is particularly appreciative to be able to share the opportunity with her sibling and be able to lean on one another.

“I’m super excited about the Commonwealth Games and just really grateful that I’ll have the chance to share this experience with my brother,” she said. “This is my first competition representing Bermuda and I just can’t wait to do our country proud.

“We’re are extremely lucky that we train together and have a great relationship with one another. It is really exciting that we get to support one another as well as the rest of the Bermuda team.”

Despite competing among an elite field of the some of the best athletes in their sport, both have lofty ambitions of making their mark as they set their sights on at least progressing through the heats.

“In terms of goals, obviously I’d love to put myself into a semi-final and even a final; that would be incredible and a dream come true.” Jack said.

Emma added: “Like Jack, my ultimate goal is to put myself in a final; that would be an amazing experience.”

Despite stepping into the unknown on the international stage, both are well aware they do not have to look far for inspiration and motivation in the shape of Duffy, the world, Olympic and defending Commonwealth Games champion.

“To be on the same team as someone like Flora Duffy is amazing,” Jack added. “We have watched her race for a long time and to be able to be on the same team as her is just incredible.

“I can’t wait to get the chance to speak to her and learn from her experiences because she’s the one we all look up to.”

As well as being in a squad alongside Duffy, Emma also spoke of her joy at being part of a large team and having the opportunity to support her compatriots in their own individual fields.

“Seeing her story and how she’s come back from setbacks is really inspiring,” Emma added. “She is just a phenomenal athlete and an amazing person, too. I could not be more proud to be on a team with her; it’s very exciting.

“I also feel lucky that swimming is at the beginning of the Games because we also get the chance to go and support our team mates.

“It’s great to be part of a big squad and be able to feed off of one another. The excitement is definitely building among the team and there is a lot of pride.”