THE two Swaziland athletes who trained in West Devon certainly did their country and West Country supporters proud this week at the London Olympics.

The sprinters gave outstanding performances in their respective events and although they did not qualify for the next stage should certainly be pleased with their efforts.

Sibusiso Matsenjwa, aged 24, took part in heat three of the men's 200 metres in front of a packed Olympic Stadium.

Running in the lane next to Team GB hopeful Christian Malcolm, Sibusiso ran a superb 20.93 seconds — a new national record for Swaziland. Malcolm qualified for the semi-finals in 20.59 secs in a photo-finish behind American Maurice Mitchell. Olympic 100 metres champion Usain Bolt from Jamaica is favourite for the event, to take place today (Thursday).

Phumlile Ndzinisa, aged 20, also put in a sterling performance in the women's 400 metres race, just missing out on her personal best by 0.18 seconds with a time of 53.95 secs.

She was sixth in her heat, losing to 100m gold medallist Sanya Richards-Ross winner who clocked 51.78secs.

The two athletes and their entourage, were invited as guests of the West Devon Pre-Training Camp committee, and stayed at Kelly College last month, enjoying the facilities there and at the Tavistock sports ground at Crowndale before setting off to London and the Olympic Village.