2008 Beijing Olympic Games - Day 4 Preview

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Women's Discus Throw: Final - Mon, Aug 18 7:00 AM ET

Who to watch: Yarelis Barrios (CUB), Stephanie Brown-Trafton (USA), Aretha Thurmond (USA), Nicoleta Grasu (ROU)

Outlook: For the first time in the Beijing Olympic Games, the United States has a chance to earn a medal in the field events. With Stephanie Brown-Trafton and Aretha Thurmond thowing well in the qualification round earlier in the week, they have a legitimate shot to stand on the podium. Cuba's Yarelis Barrios Romania's Nicoleta Grasu should be the one's to gun for gold as the two enter the final throwing over 66 meters this season.

Women's Pole Vault: Final - Mon, Aug 18 7:20 AM ET

Who to watch: Yelena Isinbaeva (RUS), Jennifer Stuczynski (USA), Svetlana Feofanova (RUS), Fabiana Murer (BRA), Yuliya Golubchikova (RUS)

Outlook: Dominating. That's the only word to describe world record holder Yelena Isinbaeva of Russia who looked great during her opening round a few days ago. As the only woman to clear over 5 meters this season, it's safe to say that this is Isinbaeva's event to lose. Jennifer Stuczynski, the U.S. record holder, is a solid pick for silver and could give Isinbaeva a run for her money if she happens to falter. The other Russian's, Svetlana Feofanova and Yuliya Golubchikova, have also looked good this season and could represent two medals for their country on the podium. Brazil's Fabiana Murer does have a season best performance of 4.80 meters to boot and could be in contention for a medal as well.

Men's Long Jump: Final - Mon, Aug 18 8:10 AM ET

Who to watch: Irving Saladino (PAN), Ibrahim Camejo (CUB), Loúis Tsátoumas (GRE), Hussein Taher Al-Sabee (KSA), Ngonidzashe Makusha (ZIM)

Outlook: Panama's Irving Saladino shocked all the world with his performance of 8.73 meters earlier this season. Although Saladino hasn't fared that well since -- including a mark of 8.01m in the qualifying round -- he should still be in contention for the title. Ngonidzashe Makusha of Zimbabwe, the NCAA Champion from Florida State, has come on strong during the later portion of the season and could be a threat. Cuba's Ibrahim Camejo and Loúis Tsátoumas of Greece should make it an exciting final which will not include a U.S. athlete for the first time in quite a while.

Men's 3,000m Steeplecase: Final - Mon, Aug 18 9:10 AM ET

Who to watch: Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong (KEN), Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN), Brimin Kiprop Kipruto (KEN), Mustafa Mohamed (SWE)

Outlook: Kenya should once again take charge in the steeplechase here. Ezekiel Kemboi's personal best time of 8:02.49 is clearly above anyone else in the field, although his countrymen of Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong and Brimin Kiprop Kipruto can cerainly lead the way. It should be interesting to see who will step up to take down the Kenyan's, as the best hope should be Sweden's Mustafa Mohamed. Anthony Famiglietti of the U.S. is known to take out the race hard, as seen during the qualifying rounds.

Women's 800m: Final - Mon, Aug 18 9:35 AM ET

Who to watch: Pamela Jelimo (KEN), Tatyana Andrianova (RUS), Svetlana Klyuka (RUS), Maria Mutola (MOZ)

Outlook: Could it be too much to ask a first time runner in an event this year to win gold in the Olympic Games? That's the task Kenya's Pamela Jelimo will be facing when she lines up for the final. The teenager has run supurb all season long and will look to kick it into gear once again with 300 meters to go. With the recent Russian doping scandal, the only hope the nation has left for medals in the middle distance is Tatyana Andrianova and Svetlana Klyuka. The great story here is Maria Mutola of Mozambique. The ageless wonder is running in her last Olympic race and has not shown any signs of slowing down.

Men's 400m Hurdles: Final - Mon, Aug 18 10:00 AM ET

Who to watch: Kerron Clement (USA), Bershawn Jackson (USA), Angelo Taylor (USA), L.J. van Zyl (RSA), Danny McFarlane (JAM)

Outlook: After a disappointing past few days for the United States in the sprints and middle distance qualifying, the men's 400 meter hurdle final could be the event where they shine. A complete sweep is not out of the question as Kerron Clement appears to be the strong favorite here. Angelo Taylor knows more than anyone else about winning in the clutch as well. The wild card athletes will be Danny McFarlane of Jamaica and L.J. van Zyl of South Africa. Both will look to mix up the medal stand out of a possible U.S. sweep.

Other non-final events to watch:

Women's 400m hurdle semifinals, women's 100m hurdle semifinals, opening rounds of the men's 200m, 400m, 110m hurdles along with the qualifying rounds of the women's hammer and men's triple jump.