Cecilia Wollmann is within striking distance of Olympic qualification.

The 17-year-old Bermuda sailor is locked in a close two-horse race with Natalia Montemayor, of Mexico, for the last North American qualifying spot up for grabs at this week’s World Cup in Miami.

With only two races remaining in the Gold Fleet the pair are level on points with Wollmann just ahead on a tiebreaker in 37th place overall.

“She is experiencing the battle for an Olympic spot against top countries and being part of the Gold Fleet in a World Cup is already an honor and a reward for her hard effort,” Cristian Noe, Wollmann’s coach, said.

“She was dealing with really extreme conditions today (yesterday) on the water, with winds peaking at 25 knots and full on rainy weather.

“Wherever she finishes tomorrow [today] we know we are on the right path to be a strong team for Tokyo 2020.”

Wollmann, one of the youngest in the 81-boat women’s Laser Radial fleet, went into yesterday’s racing four places higher in the standings than her Mexican rival, and did just enough to cling to her lead after crossing the line in 39th.

Wollmann’s slim advantage came under threat on the water’s of Biscayne Bay as she found herself trailing Montemayor by several boats.

However, the Bermuda sailor kept it together under pressure to work her up through the fleet and eventually catch up with her Mexican rival on the second beat before passing her on the next downwind leg.

The two-horse race for the last Olympic spot available has now essentially come down to a match race between Wollmann and Montemayor, who will undoubtedly be keeping a very close eye on each other when racing resumes today.

Marit Bouwmeester, of the Netherlands, still leads the overall women’s Laser Radial fleet.

Meanwhile, also competing at the regatta in the full Laser rig is Wollmann’s compatriot, Cameron Pimentel, whose qualification hopes have already been dashed.

Pimentel lost further traction in the standings yesterday, slipping from 64th to 71st after posting a 42nd, his second worst score of the regatta.

Rutger van Schaardenburg, of the Netherlands, still leads the full Laser rig standings.