It’s been a good morning in qualifying for various events at the Olympics for South Africa, with all those in action being through to the next round.Canoeist Bridgitte Hartley finished second in her heat and then went on to win her semi-final in the 500 metre sprint. The final, where she is a genuine medal contender is on Thursday.At the main stadium, Lehann Fourie finished second in his heat in the 100 metres hurdles to qualify for the final. Sunette Viljoen needed just one throw, a solid 65.92 metres to qualify directly for Thursday’s final of the javelin and Anasa Jobodwana finished second in his heat to go through in the 200 metres. Jamaican superstar Usian Bolt is the leading contender there as he qualified with his usual ease.Later this evening, Andre Olivier will run in the semi-finals of the men’s 800 metres.Meanwhile, seven Cameroonian athletes have disappeared while in Britain for the 2012 London Olympics. The Sports and Physical Education Ministry says five boxers, a swimmer and a soccer player are suspected of having left to stay in Europe for economic reasons.The ministry says what began as rumour has finally turned out to be true. It’s not the first time Cameroonian athletes have disappeared during international sports competitions. At past Francophonie and Commonwealth Games as well as junior soccer competitions, several Cameroonians have quit their delegation without official consent. – Additional reporting by Reuters
– By Janet Whitton, London
