2 Aug 2012

Sport: American Samoa finally underway in London

6:15 am on 2 August 2012

American Samoa is finally underway at the Olympic Games.

Swimmer Megan Fonteno was the territory's first athlete in action in London in the 100m freestyle, and finished third in her heat in a time of 57.45 seconds.

That was two seconds behind the heat winner, putting her well out of semi final contention.

The 19 year old is competing in her first Olympics and American Samoa Chef de Mission, Kent Yamada says he's hoping his young athletes will take a lot from the experience.

Cook Islands sailor Helema Williams had her best result in the women's laser radial class, finishing 28th in race six.

Williams was 40th of 41 in the opening race of the day and is still near the bottom of the overall field with four races remaining.

And Samoan weightlifter Toafitu Perive is currently in fifth place in the men's 77kg division after a lift of 289kg overnight.

That's 49kg adrift of the lead, with a further seven athletes still to take to the platform.