has the world record of just under 59 feet within his grasp, following his winning leap of 56 feet, nine-and-a-quarter inches in the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Saturday in Austin, Texas.

The University of Arkansas senior actually jumped more than 59 feet in retaining the title he won last year, though the leap was judged foul.

"It was a very satisfying performance,'' said Swan last night. "Just as exciting was the fact that he jumped a distance of more than 59 feet. It was a legal wind but the unfortunate part was that he was over the board by an inch.

The world record is 17.59 metres, which is just under 59 feet.'' That performance, Swan feels, will do wonders for Wellman's confidence leading up to the Olympics.

"The fact that he actually jumped 59 feet, whether it was foul or legal, is an important indication to him that, `I did it once I can do it again' and it probably served notice to his other competitors as well.'' Wellman's feat was even more astonishing considering he was only recently wearing a back brace for six weeks to correct a back injury. How he progresses in the next few weeks will determine how strongly he will challenge for a medal at the Barcelona Olympics.

"I mentioned in a new conference last year that Brian is capable of breaking the world record,'' said Swan.

"Three years ago in junior college he was jumping 54s (feet) regularly and last year he was jumping 17 metres plus on a regular basis. He won the South Western Conference Championships with a 57-plus jump and two weeks later won the NCAAs with a 56-10 and then went to the World Student Games and won the gold medal.

"Last year he had one meet when he jumped 58-plus, which was foul, and this past weekend he had a high 59, which was foul. We looked at his tape, analysed a couple of fundamental things, and saw improvement in one or two areas and feel that Brian can challenge for the world record. I made that statement in June or July last year.'' Swan added the best has not yet been seen of Wellman who, along with high jumper Clarance (Nicky) Saunders and sprinter Troy Douglas, will be Bermuda's only hopes for medals in track and field in Barcelona.

"We've seen some very exciting things from Brian but we haven't seen the best from Brian Wellman and the best from Troy Douglas is still to come,'' the coach stated.

"And I firmly believe that despite the rough patch, Nicky Saunders has had in the past 12 to 18 months, we'll see better from him. We have some good quality world-class athletes.'' Saunders, having his own injury problems in the past year, was due to compete in a meet in Eugene, Oregon, on the weekend.

"I think he would like to be at a more advanced stage but things have shown an improvement in the last two or three weeks.'' said Swan. "He didn't enjoy a good season at all last year, which rendered him almost to a level he hadn't been as far as a competitor. The past 12 months or more have been frustrating for him.'' BRAIN WELLMAN -- Realising his potential.