(BOA) holds a final meeting to decide on the squad for the Barcelona Games.

After ongoing negotiations with the Barcelona Olympic Organising Committee (COOB'92), Bermuda has been allowed to send 20 athletes -- the only problem is that 23 have met the BOA qualifying standards.

Representatives of the four federations that will be represented in Barcelona will be arguing the cases of their athletes before the BOA executive committee in a full council meeting that could produce a few surprises.

There has been talk that 1990 Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning high jumper Clarance (Nicky) Saunders, who carried the Bermuda flag at the Seoul Games in 1988, could be dropped after a series of indifferent performances.

But Saunders is making a late push to convince possible doubters that he is ready for the Olympic challenge.

On the chopping block is sailor Brett Wright who has been unimpressive since qualifying in the Finn Class last year while the swim relay team, which made the standard at the recent national championships, also anxiously await their fate. Craig Morbey and Mike Cash are most affected as Ian Raynor and Geri Mewett previously qualified in their individual events.

The other athletes who could be on the `bubble', considering the BOA initially tagged April 22 as its cut-off date for qualifying, are equestrienne Susan Dunkley and sprinter Dawnette Douglas.

Bermuda's plight was one of desperation several weeks ago when COOB'92 was steadfast in its ruling that Bermuda send only 12 athletes because of severe overcrowding in the Olympic Village.

But the BOA worked out a deal that resulted in a cutback on the number of officials that would be required. At last count, 11 officials have been cleared for the July 25-August 9 spectacle.

The following are the 23 athletes who have qualified for the Games: Athletics: Dawnette Douglas (100 metres); Troy Douglas (400 metres); Clarance Saunders (high jump); Brian Wellman (triple jump).

Equestrian: Dennis Cherry, Nicola DeSousa, Susan Dunkerley, Peter Gray, Mary Jane Tumbridge.

Sailing: Peter Bromby, Paul Fisher (Star); Reid Kempe, Jay Kempe (Tornado); Paula Lewin (Europe Dinghy); Blythe Walker, Ray DeSilva (Men's 470); Brett Wright (Finn).

Swimming: Mike Cash (relay), Chris Flook (breaststroke), Geri Mewett (freestyle, relay), Craig Morbey (relay), Ian Raynor (freestyle, relay); Jenny Smatt (breaststroke).

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK? -- High jump ace Clarance (Nicky) Saunders' Olympic participation could be in question.