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Yesterday Bermuda received confirmation that it has its first athlete qualified for the Beijing Olympics.

With last Wednesday marking the one year countdown to the games, Bermuda's Olympic squad is likely to be six athletes or less.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Bermuda has earned an equestrian spot for the Olympics, with other hopefuls likely being sailor Peter Bromby, long jumper Arantxa King, triathlete Flora Duffy

The question is who will represent Bermuda in show jumping - Jill Terceira or Patrick Nisbett?

Bermuda Equestrian president Michael Cherry said that both had reached the qualifying standard, but the island was only allowed one show jumper for the games.

"We had a confirmation this morning (Thursday) that due to the success of the team in Brazil (at the Pan Am Games) Bermuda has indeed obtained a spot for showjumping at the Olympics."

He said the BEC would have to develop clear criteria for the riders so they would know "This is fantastic. We are the first sport to receive qualification that we have someone qualified. We are delighted."

Bermuda Olympic Association president John Hoskins said that Bermuda would likely get a wild card for a swimmer, but it was unlikely that the island's team would be more than six athletes.

"Peter is still trying to qualify, but he should make it," Hoksins said. "Flora Duffy is obviously a possibility and our long jumper, Arantxa King, is also a good prospect."[[In-content Ad]]

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