Two Bermuda swimmers have been chosen to take part in the 2026 Pan Am Aquatics Athletes Committee Mentorship Programme.

Katherine Wheddon and Gabriel Maranzana are two of 34 young athletes from across the Americas region who will benefit from a year of workshops and training sessions with top-level performers.

According to Pan Am Aquatics, athletes can expect to work closely with world and Olympic champions.

“The PAQ Athletes Committee Mentorship Programme is a transformative initiative designed to support young athletes aged 15 to 24 in their journey to excellence,” read a statement from Pan Am Aquatics.

“The programme matches aspiring athletes with world-class current or former champions in a one-to-one relationship, providing them with the guidance and support needed to navigate their athletic careers.

“This yearlong programme has already received the World and GB Olympians' Partnership Award for its social impact through sport and continues to expand its reach, currently matching 60 athletes across ten countries and 31 sports.

“The programme also aims to raise scholarship funding to offer places to young people from families on low incomes, ensuring that talented athletes from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their athletic dreams.”

Wheddon was named Bermuda’s Junior Female Athlete of the Year in 2024 and is a previous medal-winner at the Carifta Games. Maranzana is a national age-group champion in the aquathlon and has represented Bermuda at a number of events in the pool.