While tomorrow's Marathon Derby stands as the major topic among the local sporting fraternity Kavin Smith appeared almost nonchalant and unconcerned about the big race.

During an afternoon press conference at National Stadium where he was presented with a cheque for $3,000 by Alvin Wilson, owner of computer outlet Winkos, Smith more readily spoke of what he intends to do following tomorrow's 13.3 mile trek from Somerset to Pembroke.

Foremost in the smooth striding distance runner's mind was the 1996 Olympics, where his stated goal was to run in the 10,000 metres above all else, although other possibilities included both the 3,000 metres and marathon.

Smith yet stressed the need for additional financial donations to allow him to train "full-time'' and be able to also fulfill personal obligations.

He added that foreign opposition and participation in overseas meets were also needed to enable him to maximise production.

"This $3,000 is definitely a start and has opened doors for me to persevere in my career,'' said Smith, who will be seeking his second Derby title tomorrow. "I'm looking for, say, $100,000 in total to be able to do all that's necessary to do well.

"I know I can make the qualifying standards, but it's a matter of doing well when I get there. I don't just want to make it, I want to excel.

"It's time for the Bermudian public to come together and help a Bermudian athlete achieve his goals and highlight the country.'' Wilson mentioned that a major reason for his company's funding of the Kavin Smith International Training Fund was what he and his wife saw in the runner.

"Kavin represents much of the qualities we perform in our business,'' said Wilson, who will also donate $100 to the fund for each (computer) sold. "He definitely has what it takes to be a future Olympic medallist.'' Despite the close proximity between now and the Olympics, Smith was confident in it being enough time for him to reach the highest level of competitiveness.

"It's not too late, there's a lot of time,'' he said. "But I need to be out there and going beyond what we have here. Racing here I use mostly for conditioning.

"I need to go where I'll either be broken or made -- and I won't be broken -- that's what I need (since) there's not enough competition in Bermuda.''