While one of Bermuda’s swimming squad will be literally leading the way for Bermuda at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, the remaining three will also be quick into the action.

Elijah Daley was selected yesterday as the male flag bearer for the opening ceremony in Asunción tonight, but there will be no time for partying, with many of the squad in action on the first day of competition tomorrow morning.

Sam Williamson, Jack Harvey, Daley and Marleigh Howes are in action, with expectations ranging from gaining experience to reaching finals. For Williamson, it is a chance to test his form after making some big changes in his life.

“I’ve been really trying to balance swimming and work this summer, so I’ve been swimming less than I was at university,” he said.

“That could be a good thing, as I’m training a little differently by going to the gym more than I was at university, so the slight change should hopefully bring some PBs.

“Training in Bermuda is the same, but right now I’m working and there are only so many hours in the day. The group here is smaller, but it means you get more attention from coaches and more attention to detail. I prefer it, as I get to go home every day rather than to a dorm room.”

It is difficult to know the standard expected to medal, with some countries not expected to send their top performers in the age group, but Williamson expects it to be at the upper level in his events — the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke and the 200 and 400 individual medley

“I have no idea what the standard will be, as the first edition of the Pan Am Games was 18 and under but now it’s 22 and under, so I think there will be a high standard. I would love to make a final; that’s the goal I’ve set myself in my stronger races and push from there.

“I’ve done race-pace sessions and I’m pretty happy with my training and my times, so I’m excited to see what will happen when I’m fully rested in a couple of days.

Marleigh Howes is the only female swimmer in the team and, while that comes with its advantages — like getting your own hotel room — it could also leave you isolated. Nevertheless, Howes is excited to grasp her taste of action.

“I’m really excited and super grateful for the big opportunity to represent Bermuda,” said Howes, who will compete in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle.

“There are people who have swum at World Championships and Olympic Games and I know every athlete has expectations of some sort, but this is my first big one and I am going for the experience of racing top-class athletes.”

Although she has competed at the Youth Commonwealth Games, this represents a step up and Howes admits that she at times let her nerves and emotions get the better of her.

“Some of my events I put a lot more emotion into, which makes me then tend to not swim as well,” she said. “It’s about finding ways to calm yourself down and utilising breathing patterns.

“My training has been going well time-wise, but you can never predict what is going to happen. It’s about focusing on race tactics and strategies, as you can’t know the time when you are swimming.”

Howes has opted to miss the opening ceremonies at Carifta Games when competing the next day, but is deciding against that this time because of the magnitude of the Games.

“I’ve missed opening ceremonies at Carifta because I thought I might have a chance at a medal the next day, but this one’s a bit different, so I think I will go, she said.

“I may never get to a Junior Pan Ams again, so I’d like to have the memory of attending the opening ceremony.”