THE Swaziland Olympic team visited Okehampton College last week as part of their final preparations for London 2012.

Sprinters Sibusiso Matsenjwa and Phumlile Ndzinisa went to the college on July 17 to meet students from the college and primary schools. The duo led a PE session and attended a special assembley where students could ask them questions.

The two athletes and their coaching team arrived in the UK on Sunday July 8, and were based in Tavistock, using the running track facilities at Tavistock College to train before they headed to the Olympic Village on Monday July 23.

The West Devon training camp was one of 200 such Olympic training quarters available for international teams in the country.

Of the 204 teams expected to compete at the 2012 Olympics, many, especially those from poorer countries, are very small and athletes have had to overcome considerable difficulties to participate in the games.

Sibusiso Matsenjwa is a 24-year-old sprinter who will compete in the 100 and 200 metres, and is nicknamed 'Swazibolt' after top Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. He set a national record in the 100 metres at the All-Africa Games in 2011 and holds the national record for the indoor 60 metres.

Phumlile Ndzinisa is a 20-year-old sprinter who will compete in the 200 and 400 metres. In last September's World Championships held in Daegu, she set a national record in the 200 metres, and also holds the national records in the 100 and 400 metres.

The athletes, their coach and massuer are pictured right with students.