with 15 to 20 overseas competitors likely to compete in the September 27 event in Harrington Sound.

So far four swimmers from the Badgers Swim Club in New York, including two Olympians, are confirmed and more are expected in the days leading up to the event which enters its eighth year.

Coming to Bermuda are Christina Teuscher, a 1996 Olympic gold medallist for the US women's 4x200 metres freestyle relay team, and Alison Wagner, a silver medallist in the 400 metres individual medley at the same Atlanta Games.

Teuscher was also the Goodwill Games champion this year and the double US national champion in 1998, while Wagner is the world record holder for the shortcourse women's 200 metres individual medley. Both will compete in the open women's 10K event.

In addition, Anthony Reino and John Wilkinson, two open water specialists, will be competing in the open men's 10K race from Badgers Swim Club, which is coached by John Collins. They formed part of the winning six-person relay team in the 1998 Manhattan Island Relay.

The local event has been detailed on the US Open Water Swimming calendar of events.

According to co-organiser, Reeve Trott, of Bermuda Open Water Swimmers, it is anticipated that 200-plus swimmers will take part. He also stressed that non-competitive swimmers are encouraged to enter.

The event consists of four different swim races (10K, 7.25K, 4K and 2K) and also doubles as a fund raising event. Last year some $19,483 was raised for PALS cancer patients.

This year noted swimming coach Duncan Newby, who is planning to compete despite recent treatment for cancer, will be the beneficiary. Money raised will go towards the substantial medical costs he has incurred overseas.

Since January, Newby has been treated at the Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital in New York City, for cancer of the stomach and oesophagus. Money raised through pledges will be applied to medical costs not covered by insurance.