2008 Beijing Olympic Games - Day 8 Preview

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Men's Decathlon: Final 5 Events

Who to watch: Bryan Clay (USA), Andrei Krauchanka (BLR), Roman Šebrle (CZE), Trey Hardee (USA)

Outlook: American Bryan Clay can't be too disappointed with his first day tally of 4,521 points. Even with his sub-par high jump, Clay sits in a great position for the gold. On his heels will be the world record holder, Roman Šebrle. Athough Šebrle did not have the greatest first day, he's known to excel on the second day where the big three field events -- discus, pole vault, javelin -- rule. Andrei Krauchanka and Trey Hardee hope to hold on and have a spot for the podium as well.

Women's Long Jump: Final - Fri, Aug 22 7:20 AM ET

Who to watch: Maurren Higa Maggi (BRA), Brittney Reese (USA), Tatyana Lebedeva (RUS), Grace Upshaw (USA), Carolina Klüft (SWE)

Outlook: In an Olympic year that hasn't gone well for the U.S., Brittney Reese looks to come away as one of the bright spots with her chance for gold in the long jump. The NCAA and U.S. Trials Champion has leaped well all season long and may just break the 7 meter mark. Brazil's Maurren Higa Maggi is certainly one to watch out for as she leads the field with the longest leap of the year at 6.99m. Sweden's Carolina Klüft, who did not compete in the heptathlon, looks to join the medal stand in her favorite event. Tatyana Lebedeva of Russia and Grace Upshaw of the U.S. will need to step up to join the others in celebration.

Men's Pole Vault: Final - Fri, Aug 22 7:55 AM ET

Who to watch: Steven Hooker (AUS), Evgeniy Lukyanenko (RUS), Denys Yurchenko (UKR), Derek Miles (USA)

Outlook: The men's pole vault final will start without U.S. record holder and world leader Brad Walker who failed to clear his opening height in the qualifying round. This opens the door for Steven Hooker of Australia and Evgeniy Lukyanenko of Russia. Both are the only men in the field to clear at least 6 meters this season. Denys Yurchenko of Ukraine and Derek Miles of the U.S. have the capabilities to earn a spot on the medal stand, but Hooker and Lukyanenko are thirsty for gold now that Walker is out.

Women's 5,000m: Final - Fri, Aug 22 8:40 AM ET

Who to watch: Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH), Meseret Defar (ETH), Liliya Shobukhova (RUS), Meselech Melkamu (ETH)

Outlook: We know one thing that will be for certain, someone from Ethiopia will win the women's 5,000 meter final. The only question is if they can sweep all three places. Tirunesh Dibaba, the world record holder at 14:11.15, is the heavy favorite here and will have Meseret Defar to help push her along. Meselech Melkamu will have the biggest challenge for bronze with Russia's Liliya Shobukhova. It may take a sub 14:40 performance for third and only a few women in the field have that capability right now. Shalane Flanagan of the U.S., who earned the bronze in the 10,000 meters, looks to make a valiant effort at this double.

Women's 4x100m Relay: Final - Fri, Aug 22 9:15 AM ET

Who to watch: Jamaica, Belgium, Russia, Great Britain

Outlook: With both U.S. relays gone, this will be the first time the country has gone 0-for-6 in Olympic gold sprints. With that in mind, it's fitting that these are Jamaica's games and they are the big favorites for the gold here.

Men's 4x100m Relay: Final - Fri, Aug 22 10:10 AM ET

Who to watch: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada

Outlook: Just like the women, the Jamaican men look for the gold in the relay as Usain Bolt has a chance for his third gold medal in Beijing. With the U.S. out, there should be less pressure on them to get the stick around.

Other non-final events to watch:

Opening heats of the men's and women's 4x400 meter relays. The U.S. should not have a problem getting the stick around this time.