They will not be running, sailing or swimming but two young Bermudians have met the ?qualifying marks? to represent the Island at this summer?s Olympics.

Middle-distance runner Chloe Kempe and triathlete Geoffrey Smith beat out several junior athletes for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Olympic Youth Camp in Athens, Greece.

The two were presented with their familiarisation handbooks yesterday at the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) headquarters by BOA president John Hoskins and secretary general Judy Siddle Simons.

The camp, which runs at the same time as the Olympics, offers youth a unique environment in which to promote international goodwill, gather a better understanding of the host country?s culture and history and overall to share the Olympic spirit. Of course, they will see a lot of the Games too.

Outlining the selection criteria, Simons said there were several outstanding candidates and the decision ?was not easy?.

Athletes were asked to submit a biography on their respective sports, to indicate their aspirations as far as being future Bermudian Olympians as well as provide information on their academic backgrounds. Finally, all candidates were interviewed, Kempe by telephone from school in England.

?Whoever we chose would have represented Bermuda well but both Chloe and Geoffrey have strong athletic backgrounds and academically they hold their own,? reasoned Simons.

Kempe, also selected for next month?s Carifta Games, was pleased to be selected and expects this experience to impact on her athletics profoundly.

?I think it will inspire me to try harder in my own sport,? said the 17-year-old, adding it will also be a chance to ?get a feel for different cultures? as they interact with peers from across the globe.

Smith, 16, is also thrilled to be afforded this rare opportunity, particularly as the Olympiad is returning to its birthplace.

Not surprisingly ? given his triathlon interest ? this Warwick Academy student is eager to get a glimpse of Australian wonder swimmer Ian Thorpe in action.