Two Nova Scotia athletes return to Olympic action in London today.

North Preston boxer Custio Clayton will face Australia’s Cameron Hammond in the welterweight round of 16, with a quarterfinal berth on the line.

Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic president Ken Bagnell says Clayton should emerge the winner.

“His opponent isn’t extremely experienced at the international level, where Custio has the Pan American Games and the World Championship under his belt,” said Bagnell.  “But, once you get into the ring, a lot of things even out.”

The outcome isn’t as certain for Bridgewater’s Jenna Martin, competing in her first Olympics. Martin, 24, told News 95.7 before leaving for London that she’s just hoping to make the 400-metre final.  

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” said local sports pundit Harv Stewart. “She’s a brilliant runner. This is a learning experience. If she finishes fifth or sixth, that’s fantastic.”

Martin’s toughest competition will come from Jamaica’s Rosemarie Whyte and the United States’ Dee Dee Trotter. Bagnell says Martin was running alone in the recent Canadian championships, and could benefit from having a fight on her hands.

“I think this is going to be a big advantage for her, competing with very fast women,” said Bagnell. “Hopefully, she’ll be able to move onto the semi-final the following night.”

Two more Nova Scotians will compete today and over the weekend. Danielle Dube of Glen Haven is into her final two days of racing in the women’s laser radials, and Halifax gymnast Ellie Black will compete in the vault event finals Sunday.