water-skiing representative at the Pan American Games next year.

The ski ace has been all but confirmed for the trip to Argentina in March, but awaits formal approval from the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA).

Currently under review by the BOA are Richardson's performances as well as an application by the Bermuda Water-skiing Association (BWA) for affiliation with the governing body for Olympic sports.

However, the situation has been thrown into a quandary as it isn't known whether water-skiing actually comes under BOA jurisdiction, with the sport not being an official Olympic event. And as long as this is the case the fledgling BWA can only attain the status of an associate member.

Still, neither factor is expected to affect Richardson's qualification for the March Games.

"He likely will be (approved),'' said BOA general secretary John Hoskins yesterday of Richardson's chances. "We're just going through the documents and having them reviewed. There are certain procedural steps that have to be taken.

"(Also) the technical committee is reviewing standards acquired by Mr.

Richardson and will get back to him.'' It is known that a BWA constitution was drafted -- a key requirement for becoming a member -- and presented to the BOA during the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, the slalom and trick specialist continues to ply his craft overseas, roaming the waters of the Florida peninsula under the expert tutelage of United States national team coach Jack Travers.

Before leaving for the US Richardson expressed excitement with regard to the possible trip to South America.

"I'm looking forward to it. I have a couple of months to peak, maybe five,'' said Richardson, also the president of the BWA. "I'm ready, and with the results I've had this year I can build on that.'' Richardson enjoyed perhaps his best performances of his career over the past year, having recorded a personal best in the slalom of two buoys at 35 feet off during the Ski Paradise Pro Qualifier in April and followed this up by going two-and-a-half at 35 feet off a month later.

He also had scores of 3,700 to place first in tricks at the Ski Paradise event.

Teaming with female skiier Lea Butterfield, the pair placed sixth at the Pan-American water-Ski Championships in Medellin, Colombia, with Richardson 12th among the men and Butterfield 14th among the women.

However, as a non-Bermudian Butterfield cannot represent the Island at the Pan American Games, leaving Richardson to go it alone.

KENT RICHARDSON -- currently training under the expert eye of US national coach Jack Travers.