Two Olympians from HRM have taken their first steps toward possible medals at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

North Preston boxer Custio Clayton made his Olympic debut in winning fashion Sunday, defeating Mexico’s Oscar Molina Casillas in the round of 32 fight by a score of 12-8.

Clayton told Metro News he felt confident before the match, saying he’s fought Casillas before and went in with a solid plan.

The 24-year-old needs to win two more fights in the 69-kg welterweight division to be guaranteed a medal.

Here at home, his brother Alonzo Simmonds told Global News, the podium is within reach.

“I just see him coming home with something,” said Simmonds. “I mean he worked too hard to be coming home with nothing. But if he doesn’t get nothing it’s a great opportunity to go where he is right now. We just hope for the best right now.”

Canada hasn’t won a boxing medal since Atlanta in 1996.

“This fight is a big boost for him. Hopefully it will bring good things,” said Simmonds.

Clayton fights again on Friday.

Another local athlete made her Olympic debut Sunday. Gymnast Ellie Black joined four teammates for the gymnastics team competition, securing a spot for Canada in tomorrow’s final.

The 16-year-old placed 11th overall in the floor portion and qualified for the event final in the vault.