LONDON –  With all the hype surrounding Usain Bolt’s 100m performance and Oscar Pistorius’ semifinal effort in the 400m on Sunday night, yesterday  morning was almost reminiscent of a hangover that follows an eventful night with the mood  calm and subdued.

On the track, Andre Olivier was the only South African in action – in the men’s 800m – and duly progressed to the semifinals after finishing third in his heat.

In what ended up being a closely contested two-lap race, Olivier managed to stay in touch with the leaders to finish third in a time of 1:46.42 to ensure his progress  into the next round  tonight. Duane Solomon of the United States finished first with a time of 1:46.05 while Robert Lathouwers of the Netherlands was second in 1:46.06.

In other action, the sailing pair   Asenathi Jim and Roger Hudson managed to fare slightly better in races seven and eight, recording a 13th place finish in the first – their highest of the Games so far – and 15th in the second of the day’s races.

After yesterday’s lull, it will be all systems go once more as several athletes feature in today’s action.

The biggest name on the South African team who will be in action today is Sunette Viljoen when the first round of the women’s javelin takes place this morning. Viljoen is tipped as one of South Africa’s best medal chances from the track and field portion of the Olympics, based on the documented fact that she will come into the event as the world’s No 1-ranked thrower.

Other South Africans to feature on the track today will be 110m hurdler Lehann Fourie and  Anaso Jobodwana in the men’s 200m.

Two other possible medal contenders are in action today with Richard Murray – fresh off a maiden win in the world triathlon series – will line up for his event today while Bridgette Hartley, a semifinalist in Beijing four years ago, takes to the water in the heats of the women’s K1 500m.