Bermuda swimmers are in an upbeat mood ahead of the start of their Central American and Caribbean Games campaigns in El Salvador today.

Jack Harvey, Emma Harvey, Maddy Moore and Benedict Parfit make up the island’s contingent who will be aiming to put Bermuda on the medal table in the sport, having missed out on doing so at the Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 2018 when Moore and Jesse Washington were the island’s representatives.

Jack Harvey is relishing the opportunity to test himself against strong fields in the 100 and 200 metres backstroke.

“After seeing the seeding sheet I am excited to test myself against the swimmers in the region,” said Harvey.

“My goal is to win a medal which will take personal-best times and national records.”

His sister Emma is eager to do well in the 50 backstroke, a race she believes she is most competitive and confident in.

“I think this is a really good level of competition and I feel good about where I stand,” she said.

“I would like to win an individual medal but would be extra happy for a relay medal.”

Parfit’s main races are the 4x100 mixed free relay and the individual 50 butterfly.

“There are lots of great swimmers and I am happy to see others of my age competing,’’ Parfit said. “Individually my goal is to make finals in the 50 fly. Reaching personal best times is my focus and this would make me happy.”

Moore is eagerly anticipating racing in the 50 freestyle, an event that she has been particularly focused on in the build up to the Games.

“I was excited about my positioning on the seeding sheet, but I know that the result on the day will be the important one,’’ Moore said.

“It is always fun to race the other women in the region that I have been competing against for so many years.

“This will be a great test for me. I always hope for personal best times. I have been working on race strategy this season and will look to execute this week. Medals or records will only happen if I can execute and I will do my best.”

For coach Ben Smith, it has been tough not being able to hold any training sessions since arrival in El Salvador because of a lack of facilities.

“The swimmers have all arrived focused and prepared to swim fast. This is a group that is disciplined and all accomplished.

“So far we have not been able to train because the competition pool is not ready and the training pool at the village needs to have the chemicals balanced.

“We have switched to land based prep and the team is staying in good spirits.”

Smith is backing the swimmers to perform at their best and produce positive outcomes.

“We hope to have an exciting competition with strong results. I know they will all give 100 per cent effort which is all a coach can ask for.”

Moore and Emma Harvey take part in the 50 back today, while Jack Harvey and Parfit compete in the 100 free, before being joined by their compatriots for the mixed medley relay.