Golf (6.30am ET)
The last time golf was an Olympic sport, America’s president was Theodore Roosevelt. Today golf makes its first appearance at the Games since 1904, and Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler lead Team USA in the men’s individual tournament. They are joined by Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed, making up the foursome for America. The competition will go through Sunday.
Badminton (8.45am ET)
Despite all its accomplishments, America has never won a medal in badminton. Could these be the Games when Team USA finally reach the podium? It all kicks off at 8.45am with mixed doubles, followed by men’s and women’s doubles in the evening.
Judo (10.10am ET)
In 2012, Kayla Harrison became the first American to win Olympic judo gold. Today, she returns for the quarter-final round (she gets a bye in the round of 32 because she’s the No1 seed) against Zhang Zhehui from China in the women’s 78kg division. Harrison’s biggest threat is the Brazilian No3 seed Mayra Aguiar, but she won’t have to face her until the final as they are both on opposite sides of the bracket.
Women’s gymnastics – all-around (3pm ET)
Two days after winning gold, Simone Biles and Aly Raisman return for the all-around final. Whilst Biles is the clear favorite to win, Raisman will look to stand right beside her team-mate by the end of the day. The Americans, quite simply, are untouchable and it would take a miraculous effort, coupled with monumental mistakes, for them not to get gold and silver. Raisman, the team captain, is the example of athletic consistency, able to deliver time after time. And Biles? Well, let’s just say this: she is probably the greatest gymnast that has ever existed and the only way she will lose this is if she doesn’t show up.
Swimming
Team USA are loving every minute of the aquatic events – and there is no reason to believe why it should stop today. Michael Phelps will be in action in the men’s 200m individual medley final, as well as Nathan Adrian in the men’s 50m freestyle and Katie Ledecky in the Women’s 800m freestyle qualifiers.
