2016 Rio Olympics: 5 things to watch on Saturday
It's Day 1 at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Here's a quick look at five things to watch as the U.S. looks to take a spot on the medal podium in several events.
Gymnastics
The U.S. men begin their quest for a medal in the team competition after a disappointing performance at the 2012 London Games, where they placed fifth. The top eight teams in qualifying advance to Monday night’s team finals, while the top 24 individual gymnasts make the all-around final.
Swimming
Medals are up for grabs, starting with Chase Kalisz — a training partner of Michael Phelps — in the 400 individual medley, an event dominated by Phelps and his longtime rival, Ryan Lochte, in past Games. Keep an eye on the U.S. women’s 4x100 freestyle relay, too, which has a good shot at reaching the podium. If that happens, and Katie Ledecky contributes with a preliminary heat swim, she'll lock up her first (of many) medals here this week.
WATCH: What to know about swimming
Basketball
The Americans take the court against China, which is led by Yi Jianlian, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks for five seasons. You probably don’t need an upset alert for this game, however. China might have the least star-studded team in the men’s tournament, with U.S. assistant coach Jim Boeheim saying the Americans are “100 years ahead.”
Archery
The U.S. men won the silver in London, led by Brady Ellison. Though it was their best finish since winning gold in Atlanta, they still feel the sting of the oh, so close, one-point loss to Italy in the finals, and will be looking for a better finish this time around.
Watch: Everything to know about archery
Rugby
The U.S. women open against Fiji as rugby sevens makes it Games debut. The last time the sport was in the Olympics, rugby 15s was played in 1924.
Rio Guide: Rugby Sevens
