Hoops medal round starts today
The artists formerly known as the Dream Team can salvage some respectability at the Athens Olympics, but it will take an effort so far unseen. The medal round for men’s basketball begins today against Spain, which swept all five of its preliminary games and has the Olympics’ most dominant player this side of Yao Ming in Pau Gasol. A loss here and the Americans officially become the Nightmare Team. A win and they’re likely back in the role of gold-medal favorites.
Track and field
Justin Gatlin goes for a sprint double in tonight’s 200 meters. Training partner Shawn Crawford, just out of the medal picture in the 100, could have something to say about that, as could 100 silver medalist Francis Obikwelu of Portugal. American long jumper Dwight Phillips can make a legitimate claim on the title of track and field’s unknown superstar, but that’s because he’s yet to uncork a signature jump on the global stage. That could change if, as expected, he takes the gold medal. He needed only one jump to lead Tuesday’s qualifying round. Upstart Jonathan Chimier of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius was second, just an inch short of Phillips. American born-and-raised Felix Sanchez, who competes for the Dominican Republic, is favored in the 400 hurdles. His challengers include Americans James Carter and Bennie Brazell.
Soccer
After dispatching its toughest rival, Germany, Team USA moves into the gold-medal game against Brazil. There could be bad blood brewing between the two, a result of rough-play allegations levels against the Americans during their 2-0 preliminary round victory. This will be the Olympic swan song for Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain and Joy Fawcett, so emotions will be running high.
Diving
Russia’s Yulia Pakhalina, Canada’s Blythe Hartley and China’s Guo Jingjing are the top three qualifiers for today’s women’s 3-meter springboard.