Oscar Pistorius' Olympic run came close to ending on a sour note. The South African who is the first amputee to compete in track and field at the Olympics didn't get a second chance to run.

Though he was entered in the 4x400 relay, his teammate was injured before the baton was ever passed. However, track's international ruling body said the South African team was obstructed, and allowed them to move onto the final.

In the opening heats of the relay, Ofense Mogatwane became entwined withKenya's Vincent Kiilu. Mogatwane fell to the track, and grabbed his shoulder in pain. Pistorius, who was set to take the baton for Mogatwane, tried to get to his fallen teammate but was stopped by track officials.

Ghana weightlifter Alberta Ampomah hopes to win a medal at the 2012 Olympic Games despite her late invitation to the competition.

Ampomah, who placed third in the clean and jerk division during the African Olympic qualifiers, only received her invitation to the Games three weeks ago after the International Weightlifting Federation granted her a wild card. Speaking to www.liquidsportsghana.com at her base in Plymouth, Alberta Ampomah said she plans to make the most out of the opportunity she has been given by grabbing a medal during the Games. I have the hope that I can get a medal, she said adding that, im having a feeling that by Gods grace I will get a medal at the Olympics but it all depends on how many people will be in my class (75kg +).

Ghana appeared to have lost out on a place in weightlifting when Madagascar beat Team Ghana to fourth place on superior medals at the African qualifiers in March. Alberta admits she was delighted when she received the news about qualification later on. I was very surprised and at the same time very happy because I didnt expect to be at the Olympics. The Olympics is a lifetime dream, so I was very happy.

The Olympic debutant also admitted that her preparation for the Games has not been that ideal saying, its not been easy. Im cool with what we have done though. As a weightlifter you have to be ready for anything at anytime. You have to be prepared always. Im okay with my preparation and everything.

Team Ghana is currently camping at Plymouth to acclimatise to local conditions ahead of the Olympics but Alberta acknowledged that prevailing conditions are tough for her, another weather is very bad. If you have some pains, then the weather will not be good for you because it is going to be very difficult for you to train here. But its a little bit warm where I train so Im okay with it.

Alberta Ampomah first competed on the international scene during the 2010 World Youth Olympics where she won a bronze medal.
Ghanaweb