world thus far this year.

Statistics released yesterday by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) show Wellman in the number three spot, listing 17.41 metres (57 feet, 111 inches) as his best jump.

He trails his coach and world record holder Mike Conley of the United States, who has a 1994 best of 17.51 (58 feet, three inches), and Russia's Vasily Sokov (17.43, 58 feet).

Wellman, the reigning Bermuda Athlete of the Year, recorded his great leap during a meet at the University of Texas El Paso in April. The effort allowed him to improve on his own Bermuda national record.

He is currently touring Europe in preparation for August's Commonwealth Games in Victoria, British Columbia, as well as having an eye on the Goodwill Games set for the US.

Meantime, July 20 -- two days after the qualification deadline -- is the date when Bermuda's team for next month's Commonwealth Games will be confirmed, according to Bermuda Olympic Association president Austin Woods.

The general council meeting for acceptance will be held on that date when the team for the August 18-28 Games will be finalised. Athletes to have already reached qualifying standards include runners Jennifer Fisher and Troy Douglas, triple jumper Wellman, high jumpers Stephen Woodley and Rohaan Simons and marathon runner Brett Forgesson.

The list of swimmers having already qualified are Jenny Smatt, Chris Flook, Stanley Harris, Geri Mewett, Trevor Ferguson and Stephen Fahy. Cyclist Elliott Hubbard has also reached the qualifying standard.

Philip Guishard, who is presently in Victoria and making arrangements for the team, has been confirmed as the Chef de Mission.

Mike Cherry, who is now chairman of the technical committee of the BOA, will serve as Chef de Mission at next year's Pan American Games in Argentina in March.