Swimmers Nick Patterson and Ashley Yearwood have been added to Bermuda Olympic Association’s elite athletes list and will receive financial backing to help them reach their full potential.The talented teenagers, both aged 17, have been named as ‘C’ level athletes in recognition of their impressive displays while representing their country in recent years.Saltus Grammar School pupil Patterson has been part of the national swim squad since 2006 and has set his sights on competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.Yearwood, who attends Baylor School in the US, won a silver medal in the 50 metres butterfly at the Caribbean Swimming Championships in Puerto Rico last year.Bermuda coach Ben Smith said he was delighted that the sacrifices made by two of the Island’s top young swimmers had not gone unnoticed.“It continues to be a pleasure to coach Nick as he is an extremely hard worker and is always a great role model for the other swimmers,” he said.“He is focused on his goals and is willing to make all the sacrifices necessary to reach them. He will be a great miss to our programme when he leaves for university next year but will continue to be an example of what hard work can accomplish.”Richard Goodwin, also a national team coach, added: “Having Ashley accepted as a ‘C’ level elite athlete is due recognition of her dedication and ability in the sport of swimming.“I am very pleased for her and this marks an important step as she moves out of age group swimming and into the ranks of senior international competitors”.