What to Watch - Saturday, July 28

Each day I will highlight three events to watch.  I will try to vary the sports and include some of the less popular sports in the U.S.  Each day will be a gold, silver and bronze medalist.

GOLD:  Swimming – Men’s 400 Meter Individual Medley – 2:30PM EDT.  The first of two titanic clashes in the pool between two of the biggest stars heading into the Games.  Michael Phelps attempts to become the first man to win the same individual swimming event three times in a row, while Ryan Lochte will try to unseat his rival.

SILVER:  Cycling - Men’s Individual Road Race – 5:00AM.  Britain could win their first gold medal of the Games early as Mark Cavendish is the pre-race favorite.  Bradley Wiggins, who recently won the Tour de France, is another British contender, but will be a greater contender in the time trial on Wednesday.  Have some patience, the 250 kilometer race should take about six hours to complete.

BRONZE:  Fencing – Women’s Individual Foil – 2:40PM.  Italy’s Valentina Vezzali may become an Olympic legend of the highest order as victory will make her the fourth athlete, and first woman, to win the same individual event in four consecutive Games.  A team gold medalist in Atlanta, she could also become the fourth athlete, and first woman, to win a gold medal in five straight Olympics.  She enters as the favorite after winning her sixth world championship title last year.  American Lee Kiefer has a medal chance, she captured a bronze medal at last year’s worlds.