Teenage sailing duo James Robson and Thomas Steenson have enough grit and determination to match the achievements of their Newcastle-native Olympic idols - someday.

But first, the pair will compete in the 2014 Lake Macquarie International Children's Games.

James and Thomas, both 13, hail from Belmont 16ft Sailing Club.

Thomas has been with the club for five years, while James has racked up two years at Belmont after a three-year stint with Toronto Amateur Sailing Club.

The two St Paul's High School students were the only sailors selected to compete in the Games' Flying 11 and Sabot races for Team Lake Macquarie.

James and Thomas are putting in five to 10 hours a week training in the lead-up to the Games, which the duo said it was looking forward to.

After that, their focus will shift to the national sailing championships in Townsville during the Christmas school holidays.

Thomas has had a successful run at nationals over the past four years.

He is the proud owner of one gold and one bronze medal in the Flying 11 race, and is a two-time junior national champion.

James is still searching for his first medal, but this will be his third national appearance.

He has had more luck with his club, for which he is the leading pointscorer this season. No matter what, James always has the support of his best mate Thomas.

"He's been up there but not right up there," Thomas said.

"But he'll get there one day; the key is consistency."