LONDON –  “I’m in good shape and feel really strong,” Pistorius said this week ahead of the big moment when he steps onto the track before admitting that he is not feeling any sort of pressure given that he tends to perform better at big events.

“It’s easier for me as I’ve always run better at big events where I’ve been under pressure,” Pistorius said.

But while Pistorius will no doubt take most of the spotlight there are several other South African athletes in action this weekend.

The women’s hockey side take on the world’s No 7-ranked side Australia at the Riverbank Arena desperately hoping to record their first win, or even their first point, of the competition, having suffered three straight losses. Marsha Marescia’s side, ranked 12 in the world, got their tournament off to a poor start with a 7-1 loss to Argentina before a 4-0 loss to New Zealand. There were signs that the side was starting to get things together when they only went down 2-0 to world No 3 side Germany earlier this week.

The men’s side will be in action against Pakistan tomorrow.

In the women’s triathlon, Kate Roberts and Gillian Curr will be in action while young track cycling prospect Bernard Esterhuizen, who is being groomed for the next renewal of the Games in Rio 2016, gets his campaign under way with the men’s sprint qualifying this morning.

Weightlifter Jean Greef will be in action in the men’s 94kg category while sailors Roger Hudson and Asenathi Jim, who continued to struggle in yesterday’s races finishing in 20th and 27th, will take their place in races five and six.

In the other action this weekend, women’s marathon athletes Rene Kalmer, Tanith Maxwell and Irvette van Blerk will tackle the streets of London looking to add to South Africa’s medal tally although it is thought that the long-distance powerhouses from North Africa should do well.