2008 Beijing Olympic Games - Day 3 Preview

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Men's Hammer Throw: Final - Sun, Aug 17 7:10 AM ET

Who to watch: Krisztián Pars (HUN), Primož Kozmus (SLO), Vadim Devyatovskiy (BLR), Ivan Tsikhan (BLR), Koji Murofushi (JPN)

Outlook: Hungary’s Krisztian Pars was the only athlete to throw over 80m in the qualification round and looked great during his throw. Koji Murofushi of Japan, the defending champion, heads into the final with a season-best mark of 81.87m. The favorite appears to be the defending World Champion, Ivan Tikhon, who has thrown 84.51m which is by far the leader in the group. It will be an early start for those on the east coast.

Women's 3,000m Steeplechase: Final - Sun, Aug 17 9:30 AM ET

Who to watch: Gulnara Samitova-Galkina (RUS), Eunice Jepkorir (KEN), Tatyana Petrova (RUS), Yekaterina Volkova (RUS)

Outlook: Although this is the first time the event is contested at the Olympic Games, Russia's Gulnara Samitova-Galkina set the Olympic record in the qualification rounds with her time of 9:15.17. With a season-best performance of 9:08.21 this season, the Russian looks to be a big favorite for the Gold. Two other Russian's, Tatyana Petrova and Yekaterina Volkova, also look to join Samitova-Galkina on the medal stand as they will be a factor in the race. Kenya's Eunice Jepkorir has run 9:11.18 this season which is also her personal-best. The two American's, Jennifer Barringer and Anna Willard, will have to clock under 9:20 in order to medal which would set a new American record.

Women's Triple Jump: Final - Sun, Aug 17 9:35 AM ET

Who to watch: Yargelis Savigne (CUB), Hrysopiyí Devetzí (GRE), Marija Šestak (SLO), Françoise Mbango Etone (CMR)

Outlook: Cuba's Yargelis Savigne led the triple jump qualifiers with a 14.99m leap in the qualification round and appears to be the class of the field heading into the final. Defending Olympic champion Francoise Mbango Etone of Cameroon could be a factor, but is coming off maternity leave and has not been able to train much this season. Greek record holder Hrysopiyí Devetzí also looked great in the early rounds. Look for Savigne to take charge as the big favorite for the Gold here. No American's qualified for the final.

Women's 100m: Semifinal - Sun, Aug 17 7:45 AM ET, Final - Sun, Aug 17 10:30 AM ET

Who to watch: Shelly-Ann Fraser (JAM), Sherone Simpson (JAM), Kerron Stewart (JAM), Muna Lee (USA), Lauryn Williams (USA)

Outlook: How about the Jamaican's. All three -- Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart -- won their respected quarterfinal heats. Stewart was the only athlete in the field to dip under 11 seconds with her time of 10.98. Muna Lee, the U.S. Trials Champion, looked smooth with her time of 11.08 which was second to Simpson's clocking of 11.02. Lauryn Williams got out of the blocks very well and will look to stay consistent heading into the semifinal. The other American, Torri Edwards, won the last quarterfinal heat in 11.31. Depending on how the semifinal races pan out, look for the final to be under 10.85 seconds.

Men's 10,000m: Final - Sun, Aug 17 10:45 AM ET

Who to watch: Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), Sileshi Sihine (ETH), Zersenay Tadese (ERI), Moses Masai (KEN), Martin Mathathi (KEN)

Outlook: 39 runners will toe the line for the start of the men's 10,000 meter final on Sunday morning (Eastern). Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, the world-record holder, will look to win another Olympic Gold in his main event. Only a few have claimed back-to-back 10,000 meter titles in Olympic history. Another Ethiopian, Sileshi Sihine, finished second to Bekele in Athens four years ago and will be the strongest challenger with a personal-best clocking of 26:39.69. Eritrea's Zersenay Tadese placed third in Athens as this in Beijing will be his season opener. Kenyan's Martin Mathathi and Moses Masai can handle the pressure of trying to de-thrown the legendary Bekele as well. Abdihakem Abdirahman, the U.S. Trials Champion, looks to follow the footsteps of Shalane Flanagan who claimed bronze in the women's race.

Other non-final events to watch:

The women's 400 meter semifinals will take place at Sun, Aug 17 9:00 AM ET as American Sanya Richards has looked dominating so far. The men's 1,500 meter semifinals are scheduled for Sun, Aug 17 9:55 AM ET. Opening rounds in the women's 100 and 400 meter hurdles will begin along with the men's high jump qualifying.