London Olympics: What to watch for Saturday
What to keep an eye out for on Day 8 of the Olympics:
SWIMMING
The last day of swimming will also be Michael Phelps’ last race. It will probably be his 21st medal and possibly 18th gold medal. He will likely swim the butterfly in the 400 medley relay. Missy Franklin will be on the women’s 400 medley relay team. Others to watch include Jessica Hardy in the 50 free and Connor Jaeger in the 1500 freestyle.
TRACK AND FIELD
The marquee event is the 100, both the women’s final and men’s qualifying. The U.S. qualified Carmelita Jeter, with the fastest time of the day, Tianna Madison and Allyson Felix in the semifinals, which will held early Saturday. Other medal finals include the men’s long jump, women’s discus, men’s 10,000 and 20k walk.
TENNIS
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova give the Olympics a dream women’s final. The two have met twice previously on the hallowed grass at Wimbledon. In 2004, Sharapova beat Williams in the final. Williams won the other matchup. This is the first time Sharapova has represented Russia at the Olympics. She was the country’s flag bearer.
TRIATHLON
For once the U.S. women’s team is deep and strong, but it’s unclear if any one of them is good enough to make the medal stand. Laura Bennett, Sarah Groff amd Gwen Jorgensen are the three contestants who will try to navigate a 1.5 kilometer swim, a 43-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. The event will be held at Hyde Park.
ALSO:
Michael Phelps wins another gold in 100-meter butterfly
Phil Rogers and Todd Dalhausser upset in men’s beach volleyball
Missy Franklin sets world record, wins gold medal in 200-meter backstroke
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