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16th February, 2006
Two students from Kelly College in Tavistock are set to compete against some of the world's best athletes at next month's Commonwealth Games in Australia.
 Jakie Wellman and Flora Duffy will both be participating in the 2006 Games, which take place from March 15-26, in Melbourne, competing in the swimming and triathlon events, respectively.
Wellman, who will be representing Zambia, is due to swim in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle competitions, which are happening from March 16-19.
 While Duffy is competing in the triathlon for Bermuda, which takes place on Saturday, March 18.
Both athletes are looking forward to the experience of competing in the prestigious tournament, but are realistic about their prospects among some of the world's top athletes in their respective sports.
"It is such an honour to represent my country in the Commonwealth Games," said Wellman, who won a silver medal in the 2005 Devon County ASA Championships.
"However, there are only three swimmers, including myself, in the Zambia team and we will be up against some top swimmers from some of the strongest countries in the world.
"In terms of expectations, my aim is to go there and do my best, and if I can get some personal best times then I will be more than happy.
"I will also have a few friends, who will be there competing and I would like to beat them as well, if possible."
Duffy is equally not too expectant when it comes to levels of success.
"Because it is my first time competing in the Games, I don't really have any aims," said Duffy.
"I don't know what to expect, but one thing I will do is give it my all and hope that my best is good enough to get me a respectable finish.
"Whatever happens, it will be such a learning experience, and I can only leave the Games with positive things."
Both girls have been training hard to ensure they are in the best possible condition they can be, prior to the major event.
Wellman has been preparing at the college with training sessions which include gym work in the morning and swimming in the evening.
While Duffy, who earlier this month took gold in the senior girls competition of the Devon Schools Cross Country Championship in north Devon, has also been working out at the college doing swimming, cycling and running.
"My preparations have been going well," said Duffy, who underlined her credentials with a second place finish at the National Biathlon Championships in December last year.
"It has been hard work, but you have to be prepared to put the work in if you want to compete with the best at one of the biggest events in the world.
"I have made the qualifying time for the Games twice - once in England and once back in Bermuda - so I go there (to Melbourne) in good shape.
"It will be such a good occasion, and I fully intend to soak up the atmosphere.
"I am very proud to be representing Bermuda - there is only one other triathlete other than myself - and I am also very excited to be participating in the Commonwealth Games.
"I just hope I have a good race and do myself some justice."
While for Wellman, who will compete in her heats on March 14, with the hope of making the semi-finals on the 16th and the finals on the 19th, it is such an achievement for her simply to be able to travel to Australia.
For last month, she was in hospital after being diagnosed with a suspected case of malaria, following a trip back home to Zambia.
"I was only able to swim once a day because I was so weak," said Wellman.
"I had little strength and it restricted what I could do and I probably haven't been able to train as much I would like to.
"But I am okay now and I am able to train properly and, hopefully, it won't affect me too much in Melbourne."
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