A once in a lifetime trip awaits two aspiring Bermudan athletes who have been chosen to fly their country’s flag as junior ambassadors at next summer’s Olympics.

Cyclist Timothy Fox and swimmer Eleanor Gardner beat off competition from several junior athletes for the opportunity to attend the Olympic Youth Camp in Beijing, China.

They were announced as the chosen athletes to represent the Island at the Bermudan Olympic Association (BOA) headquarters yesterday by BOA president John Hoskins.

Hundreds of youngsters from across globe will attend the camp, which runs from August 6 to 26 next year — the same duration as the Olympics.

Based in The Chinese Youth Centre for International Exchange, it offers the youths a unique environment in which to promote international goodwill, gather a better understanding of the host country’s culture and history as well attend the live events.

They will also enjoy to a series of activities such as the opening and closing ceremony, Olympic torch relay, a guided tour of the Olympic Village, and competition events.

A series of excursions, sightseeing trips, forums and workshops have also been organised.

Bermuda Olympic Association President, John Hoskins, said there were several outstanding candidates and the whittling down process was “tough” process.

Athletes were asked to submit a biography on their academic background as well being interviewed by members of the BOA.

“This is a great opportunity for two aspiring athletes from Bermuda to gain access to the Olympic Games — but also experience a different culture,” he said.

“It was a difficult selection process but we believed these two youngsters deserved this wonderful opportunity.”

The Bermudan Triathlon Association and the Bermudan Bicycle Association nominated Fox, who has represented the Island at the Caribbean Junior Championships.

The 16-year-old, who attends Saltus Grammar School said he was extremely proud to be representing Bermuda.

“I’m so excited and it’s just a shame I have to wait over a year before the Olympics start.

“I’m particularly looking forward to watching the games and I imagine it will inspire me to work even harder as a young athlete.”

Meanwhile, the 16-year-old Gardner said she was “absolutely shocked” when she discovered she would be heading for the showpiece event and was counting down the months before she departed.