Swimming coach Ben Smith says he was encouraged by the Island’s showing at the Pan Am Games but believes there’s still much work to be done in terms of preparations for next year’s Olympics in the UK.Representing Bermuda in the pool in Mexico last week were Kiera Aitken, Lisa Blackburn and Roy Allan Burch, who posted some of his fastest times in the 50 and 100 metres freestyle.“This meet gave us an indicator of where these three athletes are at this point in the season,” Smith said. “There is still much work to do to get more qualifiers for next year’s Olympics and for Roy to catch Cielo (multi- world record holder Cesar Cielo).“The Games were a great experience that we can build from. When you get to this level it’s about learning from the things that you do when you are at these meets and then putting the work in so that when you get to the next meet you have improved.”Burch has already qualified for next year’s Olympics while Aitken and Blackburn are also aiming to fly the island’s banner in England.With the Pan Am Games now behind him, Burch intends to continue working on the changes he’s applied to his technique to enhance his chances of performing at optimum levels at the next Olympics.Smith said he hoped that Burch’s solid showing in Mexico wouldl encourage more financial backing for the elite swimmer.“Hopefully this will lead to some money support for him. He needs to get that extra push to get to the top,” he said.Burch added: “In order for me to get better I do need support, and it should be pretty obvious at this point that support has worked and more support would only be better.”On her own admission, Aitken didn’t enjoy the best of times at the Pan Am Games, especially after performing below par in the 100 metres backstroke and then missing out on qualifying for the 50 metres freestyle ‘B’ final by three one hundredths of a second.“My time in the 50 free was okay but I wasn’t satisfied with my 100 back swim,” she lamented. “I just started the season so it was hard to know what to expect, and I lacked the confidence in myself that I get from months of training and knowing that I am ready to swim fast.”Blackburn also found the going tough in the 200 metres Individual Medley and 100 and 200 metres breaststroke. And, like Aitken, the multiple CAC Games medallists also realises she has much work to do if she is to qualify for the London Olympics.“The Pan Am Games was an eye opening experience in that I know I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to get to the Olympic time that I want to reach this year,” she said.“It’s always difficult to come to a competition and not perform as well as you know you can, and I know I am capable of a lot more. It’s just a matter of getting back to work and doing the proper work that is necessary to swim at a higher level.”