2008 Beijing Olympic Games - Day 7 Preview

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Women's Javelin Throw: Final - Thur, Aug 21 7:20 AM ET

Who to watch: Barbora Špotáková (CZE), Christina Obergföll (GER), Mariya Abakumova (RUS), Steffi Nerius (GER)

Outlook: Czech national record holder Barbora Špotáková is head and shoulders above anyone else in the field for the final. Boasting a season and personal best throw of 69.15 meters, she's the only athlete in the field to approach the 70m mark this season. Although Cuba's Osleidys Menéndez and Germany's Christina Obergföll each have throws over 70m in the past, they have not thrown well this season as Špotáková still is the favorite. Russia's Mariya Abakumova and Germany's Steffi Nerius each have a shot at a medal after throwing well this season and from the qualifying round.

Women's 200m: Final - Thur, Aug 21 7:30 AM ET

Who to watch: Veronica Campbell-Brown (JAM), Allyson Felix (USA), Kerron Stewart (JAM), Muna Lee (USA)

Outlook: Much like the women's 100 meter final, the Jamaican team sends another strong field into the 200. The U.S. will look to take charge in this event after getting shut out of any medals in the 100. Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica and Allyson Felix of the U.S. are the two favorites for the gold in this event. Felix, the defending World Champion, hasn't been herself and looks to appear as though she's favoring her left hamstring during the earlier rounds. Nonetheless, Felix has the capabilities to win the event where she's best at. Kerron Stewart of Jamaica and Muna Lee of the U.S. will also be in the chase for the podium. Lee set a personal best time of 22.29 in the semifinals.

Men's Triple Jump: Final - Thur, Aug 21 8:20 AM ET

Who to watch: Arnie David Girat (CUB), Jadel Gregório (BRA), Marian Oprea (ROU), Leevan Sands (BAH), Phillips Idowu (GBR)

Outlook: Of all the field events taking place during the Olympic Games, the men's triple jump is the toughest to call. A wide open field can see up to six athletes take gold. Just like in the women's discus throw, anything can happen here. Great Britain's Phillips Idowu has been the most consistent jumper all season with his best mark of 17.75 meters. Jadel Gregório of Brazil does hold a personal best mark of 17.90m, but hasn't been to that level in quite some time while only entering with a season best 17.28m performance.

Men's 400m: Final - Thur, Aug 21 9:20 AM ET

Who to watch: Jeremy Wariner (USA), LaShawn Merritt (USA), Chris Brown (BAH), Martyn Rooney (GBR), David Neville (USA)

Outlook: The battle between Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merritt has been well documented this season. Tied at 2-2 head to head this season, it's fitting that the tie breaker will come down to the Olympic final. Wariner should be the favorite -- and is the defending Olympic Champion -- as he'll try to hold off the confident Merritt. Gold and silver should go to the U.S. here and it's possible for a sweep to happen as David Neville reached the final. A lane 9 draw for the final, however, might be too much to ask for Neville as Chris Brown of the Bahamas and Martyn Rooney of Great Britain have been sprinting well over the past month.

Men's 110m Hurdles: Final - Thur, Aug 21 9:45 AM ET

Who to watch: Dayron Robles (CUB), David Oliver (USA), David Payne (USA), Ladji Doucouré (FRA)

Outlook: The race for the gold will go through Cuba. That's what everyone has been saying all season long as Dayron Robles, the world record holder at 12.87 seconds, looks to be the clear favorite for the win. Can Robles break his own world record in the final? He's looked so smooth over the hurdles from all the rounds that it certainly seems possible. David Oliver and David Payne of the U.S. won't give up without a fight against the Cuban sensation as both have a chance for stepping up when it counts. Oliver will need to go much under his personal best time of 12.95 seconds in order to secure the gold. Ladji Doucouré of France can also step up and won the gold at the 2005 World Championships.

Other non-final events to watch:

There will be plenty of other action starting in Beijing, including the first day of the men's decathlon as Bryan Clay of the U.S. looks for his first Olympic gold medal. Other events to look forward to will include the men's javelin qualifying, women's high jump qualifying, women's 1,500m qualifying, men's 800m semifinals and the first round of the men's and women's 4x100m relays.

Another

04:20, 21 August 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

There will definately be another clean sweep for the Jamaicans in the 200m. Gold for Jamaican female in both relays. Nuff lov Jamaica fi jamaican athlete a Beijing, d yam a wuk!!!