Olympics: What to expect on day 12

The Black Sticks face Netherlands in the semifinals at 2.30am. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A look towards day 12 of the 2012 London Olympics and which New Zealand athletes will be competing.

Kiwis in action - See when our athletes compete

Athletics:
Brent Newdick begins arguably the toughest event at the Olympics, the decathlon from 9.10pm. On day one he takes part in the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. Stuart Farquhar also competes in the javelin heats from 6.05am while Lucy van Dalen attempts to make the 1500m final with her semi at 6.45am.

Usain Bolt returns to action in the 200m semis at 7.10am.

Canoe sprint:
Darryl Fitzgerald and Steven Ferguson line up in the men's K2 1000m final at 9.16pm after qualifying eighth. They face a challenge to get in the medals. Meanwhile Ben Fouhy will race in the K1 1000m B final at 8.30pm.

Sailing:
Olivia Powrie and Jo Aleh have two more crucial races in the women's 470 as they look to retain the gold medal spot. After two victories overnight another successful day at Weymouth could set them up for New Zealand's fourth gold. Peter Burling and Blair Tuke will claim New Zealand's second silver tonight when they hit the water for the men's 49er medal race. They can't move in the standings.

BMX:
The road bikes have race, the track cyclists are done with the velodrome, now it's time for the BMX riders to do their thing. The men's and women's seeding races take place from 2am with former world champion Sarah Walker looking to avenge for her fourth placing four years ago. Marc Willers and Kurt Pickard will ride in the men's event from 2.40am.

Hockey:
The biggest match in the history of women's hockey in New Zealand. The Black Sticks compete in their first Olympic semifinal and attempt to secure at least a silver with victory over the Netherlands at 2.30am. The Dutch are the defending Olympic champions are runners-up at the World Cup two years ago.

Basketball:
Australia face USA in the quarterfinals and face the same odds to beat the Dream Team as the US would have in beating Australia at Aussie Rules. That game takes place at 9.15am.

Medal chances?
Silver! Peter Burling and Blair Tuke will pick up New Zealand's 10th medal which should see us jump ahead of Belarus into 16th place on the medal table.

- HERALD ONLINE