Triathlete Erica Hawley has become the first recipient of the inaugural Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited Athletics Scholarship.

The firm will sponsor and support the Bermudian triathlete throughout 2023 as she aspires to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

Hawley has competed professionally for five years and became a full-time professional athlete in 2022 with the support of the Bermuda Olympic Association, the Bermuda Triathlon Association, the International Olympic Committee, and the Department of Youth and Sport. Carey Olsen's additional funding will allow the 24-year old to take part in the international races necessary to garner enough points for qualification.

Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited partner Gavin Woods believes that Hawley has a great future and wished her in the pursuit of Olympic qualification.

"We are thrilled to launch the Carey Olsen Athletics Scholarship with the sponsorship of Erica. Following on from our sponsorship of the 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series in Bermuda, supporting Erica is a natural development. She is a fantastic athlete with a bright future ahead. We wish her all the best for her next race in Huatulco, Mexico, and on her quest for Olympic success,’’ Woods said.

Hawley indicated that the funding from Carey Olsen will play a huge part in her desire to fly the Bermudian flag at the world’s biggest sporting event.

"I am incredibly honoured to receive this scholarship from Carey Olsen. This funding will help tremendously in my quest to qualify for the Olympics and represent Bermuda at the highest level in triathlon. This support will allow me travel to races and reach my goals, and I am so thankful for Carey Olsen’s sponsorship and belief in my goals,’’ she said.

Hawley is ranked number 90 in the Olympic qualification rankings and is currently one of only two Bermudian women to feature in the World Triathlon Elite Women rankings. Hawley’s recent successes include a third place in the 2022 Americas Triathlon Cup Long Beach.