FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012 ☆ washingtontimes.com/sports SECTION E ■ Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay are ready to challenge the world’s fastest man/E5

■ Ryan Lochte looks to trump Michael Phelps in his rival’s fi nal Olympics/E2

■ LaShawn Merritt nearly blew his chance at London/E4

■ Julie Zetlin is a one-woman U.S. team/E6

Th e Offi cial Newspaper of 2012 – Online, On Th e Air, On Your Doorstep E2 | SPORTS ☆ R FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

2012 LONDON

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS Ryan Lochte (left ) took home fi ve gold medals from the world championships in Shanghai last year, and Baltimore area native Michael Phelps collected eight golds from the Beijing Games in 2008. Th e rivalry continues when the U.S. Olympic swimming team hits the water in London, and Phelps already has announced he will retire aft er the games. Duel inSWIMMING the pool

Phelps, Lochte are taking rivalry to sport’s biggest stage

BY KELLY PARSONS for us that I don’t think any other athlete THE WASHINGTON TIMES could have ever done ... he put swimming in superstar status.” ichael Phelps wasn’t even sup- posed to swim in this event. New kid on the block After winning eight gold It’s almost impossible to pass a magazine Mmedals at the 2008 Olympics, stand without seeing Ryan Lochte’s face on Phelps said he was forever dropping the the cover. That’s because USA Swimming’s grueling 400-meter individual medley new “it” boy fi nally decided to stop spend- from his program. But four years later, ing his career in the shadows. he stood at the base of the starting block Lochte will compete in his third Olym- at the 2012 Olympic Trials in Omaha, pics and try to add to his six medals. He Neb., preparing to take it on again. won two gold medals in Beijing, setting a To his immediate right stood Ryan pair of world records in the process. Lochte, the up-and-comer who has been But he still wasn’t satisfi ed. When he Phelps’ biggest threat since they left Beijing. arrived home from Beijing, Lochte made Separately, they represent one-half of the drastic lifestyle changes and adjusted his biggest rivalry in swimming, possibly the training routine. He’s increased his weight entire 2012 Olympic Games. Together, they training, even engaging in strongman com- are the future of the sport to which they’ve petitionlike workouts. He cut out junk food. devoted their youth. Right away, he saw it pay off in the pool. With his Florida Gator-blue capped Like a masochist, Lochte thrives on head lowered as he shook out his pre-event having nothing left to give after a workout. jitters, Lochte paid no mind to the banners It’s those kinds of results that have al- displaying his name in the stands directly lowed Lochte to approach this year’s games behind him or to the posters heralding his with a diff erent mindset. He refuses to be face. Michael Phelps (top) and Ryan Lochte fi gure to dominate the headlines in swimming and just second-best. Right next to him, Phelps’ ears were still may generate the biggest buzz in the entire London Games. “I feel like this is my time,” Lochte said. swallowed up by enormous red head- “Whenever I go on the blocks, no matter phones. He didn’t hear the PA announcer what it is or who it is, I always feel like I can call out his name or the cheers from the returning from Beijing that he will retire At the 2011 FINA world championships win.” raucous crowd of 13,000 strong. once this year’s Olympic Games are over. in Shanghai, Phelps saw routine success. There’s a reason for that unabashed con- Not more than fi ve minutes later, the Phelps will put to rest a career that has But others, Lochte included, began catching fi dence. In Shanghai last year, Lochte took race would be fi nished, the fi rst spot on the earned him 16 Olympic medals, six current up. home fi ve golds. He beat Phelps and set the U.S. Olympic swim team won. But the race world records and international fame. So Phelps has spent the past year and world record in the 200-meter IM. — and their relationship — always had been Expectations are high for Phelps after a half zeroed in, preparing for the end of a His recent rise to stardom has been about more than just winning. Beijing. His are even loftier. And though he 16-year career. helped by cover stories and photo shoots “[I think it is] probably going to be one declines to specify them, Phelps still has He will swim seven events in his fourth for Vogue, Men’s Health and GQ magazines. of the biggest rivalries ever,” Lochte told dreams he wants to realize. and fi nal Olympics and needs to medal in He’s done commercials for Gatorade and reporters two days earlier. “I honestly think “There comes an end to everything, and just three to become the most decorated Gillette. we could change the sport.” for me and my career, I never want to look Olympian of all time. He also will have four But despite Lochte’s recently found fame, They dove in. back and say, ‘What if I did this one way chances to become the fi rst Olympian to with the potential for more after the 2012 and that one way?’” Phelps said. “I want to win the same event (200 IM, 400 IM, 100 Olympics, that’s far from his biggest motiva- One more chance do everything I ever wanted to do before I fl y, 200 fl y) in three straight games. tor. Instead, it’s just a welcome byproduct of Fifteen-year-old Michael Phelps was retire. But even if he falls short of those ambi- doing what he loves. the youngest swimmer on the 2000 U.S. “Two years after Beijing it was pretty tions, the contributions he’s already made “Once I start thinking about the money, Olympic team by almost two years. The clear that I wasn’t doing everything that I to the sport can’t be erased. Phelps said he’s thinking about how many golds or med- naive teenager, who even forgot to tie his could do.” spent his career trying to take swimming als, that’s when I feel like swimming will suit before an event, failed to medal in his Phelps hit a rough patch in the months “to a new level.” probably no longer be fun for me,” Lochte fi rst international trip. But as his coach Bob following his rise to superstardom in 2008. As far as one U.S. Olympic teammate is said. “I told myself I’ll quit swimming once Bowman put it, they were just happy to be After a photo in which Phelps appeared concerned, Phelps has achieved that goal. I stop having fun, and right now I’m having there. to be smoking marijuana was published in “He is a huge part of the reason that a blast.” That Phelps is a long-faded memory. 2009, USA Swimming handed its golden swimming is what it is today,” Brendan Now 27, he announced shortly upon boy a three-month suspension. Hansen said. “He broke barriers and walls » see RIVALRY | E3

“I feel like this is my time,” Lochte said. “Whenever I go on the blocks, no matter what it is or who it is, I always feel like I can win.” FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012 ☆ R SPORTS | E3

2012 LONDON

But just like he’s been doing for the past RIVALRY four years, Lochte, a “back-halfer,” caught From page E2 up. The heat from the fl ames shooting up around the perimeter of the pool deck was palpable. The crowd roared as Phelps and Th eir worlds collide Lochte went stroke for stroke approaching Phelps is sure to experience obstacles as the fi nal 100 meters. he attempts to make Olympic history in the In a moment that defi ned the rest of fi nal swim meet of his career. But expect the the trials, and likely the future of the 2012 biggest of them to be his teammate. Olympics, Lochte took a lead in the free- Phelps and Lochte have been squaring style he wouldn’t relinquish. For most of the off since the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and last length, Phelps swam at Lochte’s feet, Phelps always had had the upper hand. taking in the unfamiliar sight of someone That has changed. else between him and the wall at a race’s Phelps conceded that Lochte has “de- end. stroyed” him in major meets lately. Lochte “[He is obviously] great competition,” is hoping to see similar results in London. Bowman said after the race. “He just kicked Both have said they don’t pay attention to our [rear].” what the other is doing; that the only things It would be the only head-to-head they can control are their own races. Simply matchup he took from Phelps during the watch them swim against Olympic Trials, as each other to see that’s Lochte came in second far from the truth. to Phelps in the 200- “Ryan and Michael, meter IM and the 200- when they’re next to meter freestyle fi nals in each other, they are so the days that followed. focused on racing each But by snatching the other,” Bowman said fi rst Olympic team spot following the 200-meter from the hands of a guy freestyle fi nal at the who’s not used to com- Olympic Trials. “Tonight, ing in second, Lochte Michael got ahead and he forced the swimming was like, ‘Well, I’m ahead world to pay atten- of Ryan, I’m OK.’ And tion. Lochte’s words then Ryan is just waiting proclaiming it was “his to make his move. And time” could no longer be he makes his move, and shrugged off as un- they do the cat-and- proven arrogance. mouse stuff , and in the “Does it bother me? If process of that they forgot to swim fast.” it does, it’s used as motivation,” Phelps said Lochte’s coach, Gregg Troy, channels the about his rival’s outspoken confi dence. “I let rivalry-induced pressure into a motivational the swimming do whatever talking it needs tool. to, has to, will do. ... That’s how I’ve always “Two of the best ever go head-to-head, had my career, and that’s how I’m going to they’re both in their prime. One guy is going fi nish it.” to win, and one is going to lose,” Troy said. After a quick handshake following “It makes you realize where you’re at. You Lochte’s victory, the two hung face to face can’t get comfortable and overconfi dent at on their shared lane rope, eyes glued on the this level.” scoreboard above. Lochte raised his hand Phelps and Lochte are not the best of to acknowledge the cheering crowd as his friends. Not by any means. But the respect name was again announced over the public they have for one another’s ability shines address system. A straight-faced Phelps with every midrace glance across the pool. looked on, ripping the goggles off his head. Sometimes when they’re not swimming, Phelps and Lochte will race again in the Phelps and Lochte will pair up for a game of 200- and 400-meter IM in London. The spades, often taking on Olympic teammates world will be watching. Because when those Cullen Jones and Ricky Berens in friendly two swim, everybody benefi ts. competition. “Because of who Ryan is and because of But once they return to the pool deck, it’s who Michael is and because of what they back to business. have accomplished, there has never been “When Ryan and I get in the pool, sure, this much exposure for swimming,” U.S. I don’t want him to win, he doesn’t want Olympic team member Tyler Clary said. me to win,” Phelps said. “But out of the “Would I be sitting here without what those pool ... we can joke around and have fun two have done in the past? I don’t know.” and we can relax. It’s kind of like when we The Phelps-Lochte story will end before step on the pool deck, that’s our fi eld — our the London Games come to a close. The battlefi eld.” fi nal chapter likely will be one of them standing on the tallest platform with “The A bright future Star-Spangled Banner” playing in the In typical Phelps fashion, he jumped background. out to an early lead in the 400-meter IM at But there’s also another story caused ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS the Olympic Trials, leading after the fi rst by all the commotion; one about a sport Michael Phelps (above) made waves throughout the Beijing Games in 2008 when he brought two laps. After all, the world’s most famous forever changed by an attention-grabbing home eight gold medals, a feat that was prominently displayed on a cover for Sports Illustrated. His Olympian isn’t completely satisfi ed unless rivalry. fi rst Olympics came as a 15-year-old in 2000. Ryan Lochte (below), who will turn 28 on Aug. 3, has he can set the pace. And that tale is just beginning. yet to achieve Phelps’ level of Olympic greatness, but he isn’t lacking in confi dence.

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2012 LONDON

ASSOCIATED PRESS Portsmouth, Va., native LaShawn Merritt, who defeated Jeremy Wariner for the gold medal in the 400 meters in Beijing, tested positive for two steroids found in a male-enhancement product.

TRACK & FIELD Up to speed again

BY NATHAN FENNO “He never got a chance,” Merritt said, “to THE WASHINGTON TIMES even start a dream.” For Merritt, a $6 purchase The circumstances of Antwan’s death n October 2009, LaShawn Merritt walked remain clouded. Five men were charged, into a 7-Eleven in a few minutes from his and later acquitted by a jury, of involuntary home in Suff olk, Va., after an evening at a turned into a costly mistake manslaughter. Two were convicted of simple Inightclub. He paid cash for a box of con- assault and sentenced to 10 days in jail. doms and had the clerk add a packet of four horny goat weed and velvet deer antler, he doping ineligible for the next Olympics. Prosecutors alleged Antwan jumped from blue pills behind the counter called ExtenZe. would’ve noticed 50 mg of dehydroepiandros- Doug Logan, then USA Track and Field’s the window to escape the fi ve men who came In red capital letters, the packet shouted terone (better known as DHEA), a notorious chief executive offi cer, excoriated Mer- to his room to continue a dispute. An alterca- “LARGER” and “size, pleasure, performance.” anabolic steroid, and 10 mg of pregnenolone, ritt in a news release after the suspension tion on a basketball court started the problem, The male enhancement pills, with “Doctor another steroid, resided in each blue pill. was announced: “He has now put his entire Merritt believed. He wonders if Antwan was approved” written in the corner, cost $6. Both lurk in the World Anti-Doping Associa- career under a cloud and in the process made thrown from the window. Merritt had seen late-night commercials tion’s nine-page alphabet soup of banned himself the object of jokes. ... Personally, I am “You’re standing in this room with all for the product (“Go long with ExtenZe,” substances. disgusted by this entire episode.” Logan never these people between you and the door,” retired football coach Jimmy Johnson urged “He was not thinking about track,” the spoke to Merritt. Wake County prosecutor Howard Cummings in one), according to an arbitration panel’s 50-page arbitration report said. “His mindset Frustration and humiliation bubbled over. told the jury during the 2000 trial of three of report, and hoped to experience the claimed when purchasing the product was thinking Labelled a drug cheat, Merritt felt helpless. the men, according to the Associated Press. benefi ts with the woman he was dating. about having sex with a woman.” How could a late-night purchase at 7-Eleven “You’ve already been beaten senseless. What “I spent $6,” Merritt said, “and it cost me Over the next six months, Merritt made transform his career into a punchline? is your only alternative but to get out? … What millions of dollars.” similar purchases as often as twice each Then Merritt thought about resting in would you expect a teenager to do?” The decision that nearly kept Merritt from month at 7-Eleven. Merritt’s routine, according his misery. Thought about moving forward. Justice? Far from it, Merritt thought. the London Olympics, drained his fi nances to store clerk Leslie James’ testimony in the Thought about Antwan. All he could do was move forward. and almost destroyed his opportunity to chal- panel’s report, was to buy a bottle of jungle ★★★ ★★★ lenge Michael Johnson’s world record in the juice and lottery ticket, step outside, then re- 400 meters came in a fl ash, like the blur on the turn for condoms and ExtenZe. But on March Before each race, Merritt kisses two The blue pills landed Merritt on Norfolk home video Merritt’s mother, Brenda Stukes, 22, 2010, Merritt was stunned to learn he failed fi ngers, then points them at the sky. He says a State University’s lonely track. took when he was in second grade. In the three drug tests in the previous six months. quick prayer: Give me strength. Somewhere, Not knowing when, or if, he could compete video, Merritt zipped around a family dinner At fi rst, Merritt believed acne medication Antwan is watching and hears each prayer, again, Merritt enrolled in the university’s asking folks, including older brother Antwan, was the culprit, but the DHEA was revealed, Merritt believes. Not once did Antwan get to business management program. At a football if they wanted to race. Merritt didn’t realize he Merritt fi nally looked at an ExtenZe label and, watch Merritt compete on the track. So, each combine in Virginia Beach, he sprinted 40 was acting out his future career. soon after, his name was inextricably linked race, Merritt runs for both of them. yards in 4.19 seconds and thought about trying Fourteen months had passed since Merritt to “doping” and “male enhancement.” He had Ten years before Merritt’s ill-fated 7-Eleven for the NFL as a wide receiver. He thought blew past heavy favorite Jeremy Wariner to never failed a drug test before. visit, Antwan plunged from the window of about playing professional baseball, the sport win the 400 at the Beijing Olympics with the Merritt was suspended 24 months. Nike an eighth-fl oor dormitory at Shaw Univer- he adored as a child when stolen bases came fi fth-best time in history. Merritt recently stopped his endorsement contract. He was sity in Raleigh, N.C., and later died. Just 18, easier than his smile. But, mostly, Merritt returned from a cruise. Training was over. The prohibited from receiving U.S. Olympic Com- Antwan wrote music, gave his little brother trained. man who wants to be normal but whose legs mittee grants or using its training centers. And $10 for each home run he hit and arranged Two hours in the morning. Another hour won’t allow that hoped for a break. Rule 45 of the International Olympic Com- races between Merritt and older friends in in the afternoon. Six, sometimes seven days If Merritt had checked the back of the mittee’s charter, adjusted in 2008, made any Portsmouth streets. Antwan wanted to be an packet, where the 39 ingredients include athlete suspended more than six months for architect. » see MERRITT | E5

Merritt fi nally looked at an ExtenZe label and, soon aft er, his name was inextricably linked to “doping” and “male enhancement.” He had never failed a drug test before. FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012 ☆ R SPORTS | E5

2012 LONDON

MERRITT From page E4

each week. Dwayne Miller was there. The coach who didn’t think Merritt was any- thing special when he fi rst saw him run in 11th grade had never faced a challenge like this: preparing a runner for the unknown. Perspectives on track and life changed. Everything felt tenuous. Uncertainty fueled the workouts’ intensity. Extra time in the weight room. More abdominal work. A nap. Stretching. Make pasta to last for a couple of days. Sleep. Then live the same day again. There wasn’t money for much else. Friends chipped in to help Merritt pay bills. Merritt felt locked down, sick of the same workouts on the same track. Many nights, Merritt wondered what the point was as he eyed his shrinking bank account. The fi rst bit of good news came in October 2010. The North American Court of Arbitration for Sport panel noted while Merritt’s “negligence was on the high end” for not reading the ExtenZe label, the situ- ation was “truly exceptional.” It reduced Merritt’s suspension from 24 to 21 months, eff ective the date of his fi rst positive test, leaving him free July 27, 2011. The panel also urged Merritt be allowed to compete in the Olympics, since the ban would pun- ish him beyond what was provided in the World Anti-Doping Association’s code. “Any argument to the contrary,” the panel said, “is mere skulduggery.” Two days after the suspension was lifted, Merritt fi nished the 400 in 44.74 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm. The fi rst race in 22 months was rough and well off his personal best of 43.75 in Beijing but, he felt, was close enough to prove the ExtenZe didn’t enhance his on- track performance. There is one enhancement. Before Merritt takes any new supplement, he calls Howard L. Jacobs, the California attorney he retained to fi ght the suspension. ★★★

A phone call from Kimberly Holland, Merritt’s longtime agent, woke him last October. Jacobs was on the line, too. A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, came down, they told him. The U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, ASSOCIATED PRESS among several national federations, chal- Justin Gatlin signaled his victory in the 100-meter fi nal at the U.S. Olympic trials in June, covering the distance in 9.80 seconds. Gatlin, 30, is competing lenged Rule 45 earlier that year. Voices again aft er serving a four-year suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for steroids. turned downcast. You won’t be able to compete in London, they told Merritt. In his home with pictures of Antwan, TRACK & FIELD Merritt felt his heart drop. Then he started trying to fi gure out the next move. This amused Holland. Look outside, she said. Ashton Kutcher is there. The joke fi nally sunk in for Merritt: Kutcher hosted a television show about practical jokes called “Punk’d.” Roads to redemption Merritt could run in the Olympics. Feeling like a man released from jail, he sprinted around the house in celebration. BY CARLA PEAY think I would come back to a sport where I’m The court’s three-man panel judged THE WASHINGTON TIMES Gatlin overcame OK getting second or third.” Rule 45, prohibiting athletes suspended more than six months for doping from e knelt at the starting line, his Return of Tyson Gay competing in the next Olympics, “invalid composed features showing no depression; Gay’s The stage was set for a showdown in and unenforceable.” The rule punished ath- hint of emotion. One way or Beijing. The best American sprinter, Tyson letes twice for the same off ense, according Hanother, it would be over in less body sound again Gay, was going to challenge Bolt for the title to the panel, and, violated the International than 10 seconds — the most important time of world’s fastest man. Olympic Committee’s own statute. in Justin Gatlin’s long road to redemption. described by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency But Gay’s body refused to cooperate. At He and Antwan were unleashed, fi nally, Those seconds would determine whether (USADA) as a testosterone precursor. the trials, Gay pulled his hamstring in the to chase Johnson’s record of 43.18 seconds one of the fastest men in Olympic history Gatlin protested the results and claimed qualifying round of the 200 meters and never in one of sport’s great tests of speed and would have a chance to reclaim that title, or his innocence, but it was a fi ght he seemed to made it to the fi nal. By the time he reached endurance. This isn’t the raw, unadulter- if he would wind up as just another aging know he would not win. Beijing, a hobbled Gay did not make it past ated challenge of the 100. Yes, natural speed athlete trying to recapture past glory. Gatlin ultimately reached an agreement the semifi nals in the 100 meters. The highly matters, but so does strategy and race As the gun sounded, Gatlin ran the best with USADA and accepted an eight-year ban, anticipated showdown never took place. pattern and the competition in your head. race of his life. He fi nished in 9.80 seconds to as opposed to the lifetime ban USADA had A fl ubbed baton exchange between Gay Years before you can back into the blocks, win gold at the U.S. Olympic track and fi eld planned to levy. In August 2007, the suspen- and Darvis Patton in the 4x100 relay kept the whisper a prayer, kiss two fi ngers and point trials and cement his return as one of the best sion was reduced to four years. U.S. team from advancing to the fi nal, and a to the sky and stare down the track with an American sprinters. In the meantime, Gatlin was lost. disappointed Gay left China without making honest, no-kidding shot at the record. “I wasn’t too hyped, wasn’t too calm,” Gat- “I got to the point where I said, ‘I don’t it onto the medal stand. Already holding the fi fth-fastest time in lin, 30, said immediately after the race. “It felt care anymore,’” Gatlin recalled. “I was A 100- and 200-meter specialist since his history, Merritt replaced Miller with speed just right. I went out there and gave it my all, depressed about life. I felt like I wasn’t worth high school days, Gay won the Kentucky czar Loren Seagrave earlier this year and and I have a lot more left in the tank.” much.” High School State Championships in the 100 trained at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Gatlin’s road to redemption has been fi lled Ironically, it was Dennis Mitchell, another and placed second in the 200 before attend- Fla. After the switch, Merritt won the U.S. with roadblocks, including a drug suspen- world-class sprinter and now one of Gatlin’s ing Barton County Community College in Olympic trials in 44.12 seconds, the world’s sion, a signifi cant weight gain and a period of coaches, who went through a similar situa- Kansas. He followed his track coach from fastest time this year. Merritt never beat depression during four soul-searching years tion and helped Gatlin rebound. Barton to the University of Arkansas, where Antwan in a race, and now no one can away from the sport he loved. Mitchell won bronze in the 100 meters he became the NCAA champion in the 100 seem to take down Merritt. Gatlin began as a hurdler before his and gold in the 4x100 meter relay in the 1992 meters. Talk about breaking Johnson’s record coaches at the University of Tennessee con- Games in Barcelona. He also won silver in Gay qualifi ed for the 2004 Olympic trials, comes easily, almost nonchalantly, to vinced him that he had the speed to become a the 4x100 relay in the 1996 Games in Atlanta. making it to the semifi nals in the 100 meters. Merritt, who engaged the services of a world-class sprinter. Gatlin made the change. Mitchell also received a two-year ban by the He turned pro the following year and com- public relations fi rm to help pursue an After winning six NCAA titles, he left International Association of Athletics Federa- peted in the 2005 World Championships in acting career after the Olympics. It’s more Tennessee to turn pro. tions for elevated testosterone in 1998. He Helsinki but didn’t medal. matter-of-fact than arrogant: The 26-year- A member of the 2004 Olympic team, Gat- would race internationally just once more, at It would be a diff erent story in the 2007 old sees this as a natural progression when lin won gold at the Summer Games in Ath- the 2001 World Championships before retir- World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Gay you break down the percentages, the long, ens. He defeated his teammate and defending ing and becoming a coach. won gold medals in the 100, the 200 and the solitary days on Norfolk State’s track merg- Olympic champion Maurice Greene, who “Dennis has done a remarkable job with 4x100 meter relay. ing with the time he needs in each segment took the bronze. Gatlin also won a bronze [Gatlin],” Greene said. Gay’s 9.69 is topped only by Bolt as the of the race. in the 200 meters and picked up a silver as a “I’m not surprised at all at Justin’s success. American record holder in the 100 meters. “I’m more physically ready. I’ll be member of the 4x100 meter relay team. He’s a very talented guy, and very coachable.” After putting the hamstring injury and the mentally ready,” Merritt said. “It was taken Gatlin’s next task is to challenge Usain disappointment of Beijing behind him, Gay away from me.” Career in decline Bolt of Jamaica, who set a world record (9.58) was ready to focus on the 2012 Olympics in He meant the career he nearly lost but Gatlin also won gold at the 2005 World in winning the gold at the 2008 Olympics in London — and fi nally taking on Bolt. could just as easily be talking about the Championships in Helsinki, but in 2006, his Beijing. But again, Gay’s body had other ideas brother he did lose, the one pushing him career came to an abrupt halt. “We all have our eyes on that prize we forward. Gatlin tested positive for a substance want to get at the end,” Gatlin said. “I don’t » see SPRINTERS | E10

EXPANDED COVERAGE DAILY: WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPECIALS/LONDON-2012-OLYMPICS E6 | SPORTS ☆ R FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

2012 LONDON Dive into some lesser-known sports

uring a conver- There’s nothing wrong with watching those There was tennis, one set of a doubles ended, with the Swedish player pulling out sation about sports played by the best in the world, and match featuring Venus and Serena Williams. the victory, I felt like I needed a nap. Dgoing to Sydney there’s nothing wrong with rooting for the I can’t begin to remember the opponents. No time to rest. A men’s fi eld hockey for the 2000 Summer home country. The Williams sisters were so much fun to match between India and Pakistan awaited. Olympics, a friend said But if that’s the entirety of your Olympic watch. There I go being all American again. Yes, men do play fi eld hockey. Yes, they play he didn’t understand view, do yourself a favor during the London How about team handball? Can’t be rah- it pretty well. Especially in India and Paki- what all the fuss was Games and expand your worldview, even rah USA there because Team USA hasn’t stan, two countries that don’t like each other about with the games. if you have to surf some of the secondary qualifi ed since Atlanta in 1996 when it had very much. The crowd, faces contorted with It’s essentially a swim channels to fi nd the other sports. to be in because it was the host country. I’m a wide variety of emotion as the ball fl ew meet one week and a There are 26 sports that will be contested not totally sure which team I saw or what I to and fro on the pitch, was as much fun to MIKE track meet the next, with in London. The average person probably saw. There’s a team handball explainer else- watch as the game. HARRIS some gymnastics and can’t name half. Check some of them out. where in this section. I didn’t understand Other events in the “media decathlon” basketball thrown in. About 90 percent of my coverage in the game, but the fans there sure did, and included synchronized diving, baseball and Who cares about the rest Sydney centered on the aforementioned they were into it big time. A small building gymnastics. I learned some physics while of it? Big Four. That is, after all, what most of in what would qualify as a weak auxiliary watching synchronized diving. Regardless Well, lots of people do. A whole lot. Into the readership was interested in. But the gym in the states became a building that of their weight, two divers will fall at the the millions, maybe the billions. Maybe for highlight of the trip was taking some time to was as loud as any I’d ever heard. same speed. It was much more fun than some Americans, the Olympics are noth- watch a few of the other sports. Of course, that lasted about a half-hour. standard diving. Competitors were judged ing but swimming and track with some The venues in Sydney were laid out well, The next stop was for table tennis. A men’s not only on how well they dove, but on how basketball and gymnastics thrown in. For and most were close together. You could get match was in progress between a player well they dove in sync with their partner. the rest of the world? There’s that and so to multiple events easily. A popular “game” from Sweden and one from China. Trust me, I did not see shooting. Not sure how much more. played by some reporters was the “media you’ve never seen anything quite like it. much you can actually “see” with that The variety of sports, the exceptionally decathlon.” The goal was to see at least 10 The points were long and grab-your-seat anyway, but I wanted to try. The competi- high level at which they’re contested and the events in the same day. intense. Yes, you can work up a sweat play- tors each take 150 shots at moving targets in passion of the fans who don’t call the USA It was a long day. It was a fun day. It ing table tennis. The building, which held skeet shooting, and a U.S. entrant told me in home are part of what makes the Olympics started early with swimming preliminaries. about 5,000, was packed. When the Swedish Atlanta it usually took a perfect score of 150 so much fun. You see stuff you don’t see Don’t hate. I couldn’t totally ignore the Big player won a point, it was like a party in the to get into a “shoot-off ” for a medal. Seri- every day, and you see it performed as well Four. It ended with the 100-meter dashes, stands complete with horns, chants and fl ag- ously? You can’t miss once? as it can be performed. always a highlight of an Olympics (and, yes, waving. When the Chinese player won a These people are good, no matter what Sure, the swimming and basketball and another Big Four). point, the other side celebrated just as hard the sport. Take advantage of the opportunity track and fi eld and gymnastics are fun, too. In between? That’s where it got fun. and was just as loud. When the match fi nally to see them. You won’t be disappointed.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BARBARA L. SALISBURY/THE WASHINGTON TIMES Bethesda native Julie Zetlin, shown practicing at the Katie Fitzgerald Youth Recreation Center in Darnestown, will be the fi rst U.S. rhythmic gymnast to compete in the Olympics since the 2004 Athens Games. Th e 22-year-old won gold at the Pan-American Games last year, but her expectations for London are tempered: No U.S. gymnast has medaled in the sport at the Olympics.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS Hoop-la for a unique event

BY NATHAN FENNO 5-foot-6 and believes the years of patience THE WASHINGTON TIMES Zetlin’s objective is ‘upping the game’ needed to hone the rhythmic skills (the gym- nasts tend to peak in the mid-20s while, for hen Julie Zetlin travels, so does In a sport dominated by Russians that has ribbon, and the hoop is a combination of each. example, Gabby Douglas of the U.S. artistic her hoop. Perplexed looks and never attained the popularity of its artistic Each routine is performed to music, which, team is 14 years old) has dampened the sport’s questions come, too. Is that a cousin in the U.S., Zetlin is something of a for Zetlin, ranges from English rockers Muse U.S. growth. Whoop for a new dress? A giant pioneer. to Ricky Martin. But Zetlin, who claimed gold at the Pan- engagement ring? Are you a hula-hooper? She doesn’t expect to medal in London; no One of Zetlin’s leotards — accented with American Games last year, doesn’t expect “I’m not a circus freak, I promise,” Zetlin U.S. gymnast has in the sport. Swarovski rhinestones — costs upward of her career to continue much longer. Zetlin said. “I’m not part of Ringling Brothers. I’m a Instead, Zetlin views her Olympics trip as $1,600. She uses four. has torn the meniscus twice in her right knee rhythmic gymnast.” “upping the game” for rhythmic gymnastics While the sport can sell out Verizon Center- and had surgery to repair the latest damage The explanation from the 22-year-old from in the U.S. sized arenas in Europe and lands Russian four months before she earned a wild-card Bethesda, who will become the fi rst U.S. rhyth- “The history of rhythmic gymnastics is too athletes on billboards, Zetlin moves forward berth to the 2011 World Ryhthmic Gymnastic mic gymnast to compete in the Olympics since short in the U.S.,” said Olga Kutuzova, Zetlin’s without fi nancial support from the U.S. Olym- Championsips in Montpellier, France. Before 2004, elicits a predictable reaction. coach at Capital Rhythmics in Darnestown pic Committee and enough money from USA each routine, she felt like she was going to be Oh, rhythmic gymnastics. Like Will Ferrell since she was 9 years old. “But now more Gymnastics to cover a quarter of her expenses. sick. The knee may need to be cleaned out prancing around, red ribbon in tow, in “Old and more kids are attracted to this sport and Zetlin’s mother, Zsuzsi, a Hungarian junior again. Each day, Zetlin’s body reminds her School” in a last-ditch bid to save his fraternity? newspapers are talking about it.” national champion in the sport, pulled her time is limited. Zetlin hears this all the time. The sport is built around four apparatuses: hyper, dance-loving 4-year-old from an artis- That’s now how she sees rhythmic gym- “Let’s just put it this way, I don’t run around ball, ribbon, clubs and hoop. Flexibility is tic gymnastics program after two weeks and nastics in the U.S. going like this,” said Zetlin, swinging her crucial with the ball along with the rest of the ushered her into the rhythmic world. “I think we’ve been stuck in a level for a arms wildly, “and fl ailing my arms and legs elements, balance matters with the batonlike Height and age are prized in the sport, in little while,” Zetlin said. “I’m kind of the one everywhere.” clubs, turns and spinning are key with the stark contrast to the artistic world. Zetlin is crossing the boundary line.”

“I’m not a circus freak, I promise,” Zetlin said. “I’m not part of Ringling Brothers. I’m a rhythmic gymnast.” FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012 ☆ R SPORTS | E7

2012 LONDON

AMBASSADORS Fans of the Olympics in the Washington area won’t just be cheering for Team USA. Athletes from more than 200 countries are expected to compete at the London Games, and flags from just about all of those nations fly somewhere in D.C. We checked in with ambassadors around the District to find out who they and their countrymen will be supporting the next 2½ weeks. GREAT BRITAIN AmbassadorA SSir Peter Westmacott “As an island nation, we take great pride in our sailing prowess. Ben Ainslie is already our most successful Olympic sailor, having taken gold, at three straight games and silver in Atlanta in 1996. Cycling too. We won 14 cycling medals in Beijing, including eight gold. Sir Chris Hoy was the star four years ago: the first Briton since 1908 to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games.” LIECHTENSTEIN Ambassador Claudia Fritsche “The two female athletes, Julia Hassler [swimming] and Stephanie Vogt [tennis] are very popular in Liechtenstein. They are not favorites to win medals, but we will be behind them 100 percent in spirit. ... We are really happy that our team can be a part of such a great global tradition and look forward to seeing our athletes represent Liechtenstein.” CHILE AmbassadorA Felipe Bulnes “Our citizens are especially supporting gymnast Tomas Gonzalez, who is one of the favorites this year. He has been competing internationally and we believe will get very good results. Other athletes are swimmer Kristel Kobrich and arc shooter [archer] Denise van Lamoen. Both have been participating in various world championships. Ms. Van Lamoen will be our flagship.” KAZAKHSTAN ASSOCIATED PRESS Ambassador Erlan Idrissov Austria (white shirt) and Macedonia squared off in this qualifying match for the 2013 men’s world championship, but the birthplace of team “Kazakhstan has been traditionally handball is Denmark, which is credited with founding the sport in 1906. Th e Danes are the two-time defending men’s European champions. strong in boxing, weight lifting, Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling and judo. To name a few, Kazakhstan will be represented by its weight lifter, Ilya Ilyin, who is an Asian champion and a three-time world champion. We [also] place TEAM HANDBALL high hopes on Team Kazakhstan’s captain and two-time world champion, Serik Sapiyev [boxing].” AUSTRALIAA AmbassadorA Kim Beazley “Australia’s 100-meter freestyle world Exciting sport mostly champion, James Magnussen, is my pick. I expect he will stand head and shoulders above all his rivals. I want to witness Magnussen’s signature combination of grace, skill and power in the final stages of the 100-meter freestyle, hopefully leading to gold.” CYPRUS unknown to America AmbassadorA Pavlos Anastasiades “Well let’s hope that [tennis player Marcos Baghdatis] does well. He’s, I guess, our most well-known athlete. He does us BY TOM SCHAD of USA Team Handball Jeff Utz, it is the during the Olympics, it’s probably on proud. There’s a Cypriot athlete that does very well in skeet THE WASHINGTON TIMES second-largest grossing revenue sport MSNBC or CNBC at 2 a.m. ... after row- [shooting], Georgios Achilleos. If we see him winning a medal, at this summer’s Olympics. ing,” said Bryan Cothorn, the president/ that’d be great. Cyprus has never won an Olympic medal. I he best way to understand team “The only reason people aren’t ex- goalkeeper of the area’s prominent hope London will be the first Olympics that a Cypriot athlete will have the privilege to get on the podium, whoever that handball is to take a bus to the out- cited about the sport is they haven’t handball club, the D.C. Diplomats. might be.” skirts of Copenhagen. Follow the seen the sport,” he said. “It could But in Denmark, children start play- group of tall blonds in blue ing a version of team handball CANADA T AmbassadorA Gary Doer jerseys to the modest arena across called “total handball” as early the street. Smell the sausage. TEAM HANDBALL as age 2. It doesn’t have many “Clara Hughes is the only Olympic Drink the Carlsberg. Soak it all in. Olympic handball Handball combines soccer and basketball, rules, according to Finn Jensen athlete to win multiple medals in both the Summer and It won’t make much sense at as players move the ball down the court of the Danish Handball Fed- Winter Olympics, having won two medals in cycling in the The game is played in two and score by throwing the ball past a 1996 Summer Games, and four speedskating medals in the fi rst — the thousands of roaring 30-minute halves with a 10- goalkeeper into a net. Handball first eration, but it gets kids used minute intermission. There are appeared in the Olympics in Berlin in 1936 Winter Olympics from 2002 to 2010 [including a gold in Danes, the chicken mascots sign- as an outdoor game with 11 players on to throwing and catching a 2006]. This year, she will return to cycling, and if she wins a ing autographs, the strange man no timeouts except for injuries. each side. It was not played again at the handball. The federation also Games until 1972, when it was played medal will become the most decorated Canadian Olympian of at half-court singing the same Goal indoors with seven players on each side. released a story-based training all time.” power ballad over and over again. Women’s handball was added in 1976. program, allowing children 4 The goal measures two ISRAEL But it’s not supposed to meters high and three meters Ball and younger to journey through wide. The net is one meter AmbassadorA Dr. Michael B. Oren make sense. Not yet. deep at the base of the goal. The handball is made of hard leather and is an imaginary world of trolls and Even the most diehard about the size of a large cantaloupe. It varies in forests — and practice basic “I will be rooting for Israel in these Height size and weight according to the group London Games. This is the 60th anniversary of an Israeli American sports fan couldn’t tell (2 meters) participating. The ball for men weighs handball skills in the process. 6 ft. 7 in. Goal 15 to 17 ounces and is 23 to 24 Olympic presence, as well as our 15th appearance at the you the fi rst thing about team inches in circumference. The women Those who avoid the child- games. This year, we have close to 40 Olympians, with a handball. It’s the only Olympic use a smaller ball that weighs 12 to hood craze can easily pick up Width Depth 14 ounces and is 21 to 22 inches strong female presence, participating in 18 events, including sport in which Team USA will (3 meters) (1 meter) in circumference. the sport whenever they choose. rhythmic gymnastics, tennis, shooting, swimming, sailing, 3 ft. 3 in. not be represented by either 9 ft. 10 in. Danish schoolyards often and our best sport, judo. In fact, the first Israeli Olympic 20 meters (65') Team handball medal was won by female athlete Yael Arad in 1992, when gender at the 2012 Games, and revolve around street handball, Goal line court she received the silver medal for judo. We look forward to that’s nothing new. The last time Goal a minimalist version of the Goalie The court is slightly seeing our competitors stand on the podium receiving an American handball team quali- Goal area Defenders larger than a basketball sport, and beach handball also medals in London. It brings us great pride and joy to see so court. Regulation size is many talented and driven athletes representing our tiny fi ed for the Olympics was 1996 20 x 40 meters. is becoming popular. As of 2010, in Atlanta, when it received an All court lines are 885 handball associations were country.” Right wing referred to by their automatic bid as the host nation. Free throw line scattered across the country. Circle runner measurement in meters. MEXICO But in Denmark, where bikes The most significant line “Once you get the basic Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan Right back court on the court is the outnumber cars and pigs out- six-meter line or goal rules straight it is a very easy Center back court “I am of course rooting for Team Mexico number people, team handball area line. The area game to follow,” Jensen said. Left back court enclosed by the six-meter and for every single athlete in our national delegation, who I thrives. The Danish women’s line is called the goal “The number of goals and the Left wing area or the circle. Only know will give their all in their respective competitions. There national team has won three the goalie is allowed very few interruptions create are several athletes that might get to the podium, but our inside the goal area. The of the past four Olympic gold Center a great fl ow to the game — a best shots are probably Paola Espinosa in the diving only exception is when a competition, Maria Espinoza in taekwondo and there are a medals. The men are two-time player takes off from fl ow that keeps the spectators outside the goal area to couple of other good possibilities in boxing, athletics, as well 40 meters (131'2") 40 meters 9 meter line defending European champions. Defenders shoot the ball toward the and TV viewers on their toes.” as our male soccer team.” 7 meter line goal and lands inside the Men’s national team coach Ulrik 6 meter line Offense goal area. To avoid Despite the lack of an Ameri- Wilbek said that among the interference with other can team, millions of Americans THE WASHINGTON TIMES players, the player must Scandinavian country’s 5.5 million exit the goal area as will have the opportunity to quickly as possible. inhabitants, more than 3.1 million The nine-meter line, or see team handball for the fi rst tuned in to watch it win its most the free- throw line, is time at this summer’s Olym- used for minor penalties. recent European championship. Goal area The seven-meter line, or pics. NBC will broadcast por- “We have been at the top Goalie penalty line, is used for tions of matches on six days Goal Goal line major penalties. level from the very start,” Wil- Source: Team Handball USA MCT Graphics beginning July 29. Maybe a little bek said. “Handball is simply airtime is all the sport needs. part of Danish mass culture.” THE WASHINGTON TIMES “I walked out [of my fi rst The best way to describe the handball match] and said, ‘I’ve sport is water polo on land, a hybrid sport be one of the top four sports in our never seen this sport, I can’t believe we with elements of hockey, soccer, basketball country. I genuinely believe that.” don’t have this in the United States,’” and lacrosse. Each team has six outfi eld Perhaps it could. But a sport has to be Utz said. “It’s an easy sell over here.” players and a goalie. Players can take no relevant before it can be considered promi- Yet there’s still no substitute for more than three dribbles or three seconds nent, and in the United States today, team the original. Denmark is credited with before passing. Off enses run set plays handball is neither. Many fans still confuse founding team handball in 1906 and will around a semicircular crease in front of it with wall ball, the playground game that forever be the sport’s home. To truly the goal, and defenses protect the crease involves slapping a blue racquetball up appreciate it, take a bus to the outskirts using a zone scheme similar to basketball. against a wall. Most others remember it of Copenhagen, stand among the hand- ASSOCIATED PRESS According to the International as that funny European game they half- ball faithful and soak up the distinct Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer touts Clara Handball Federation, team handball played in their middle school PE classes. culture you can’t fi nd anywhere else. Hughes for the London Games. Hughes has won is played by 800,000 teams across 183 “Basically if it’s on TV, it’s dur- Oh, and don’t forget to cycling medals in the Summer Olympics and countries. And according to Chairman ing the Olympics. And if it’s on TV drink the Carlsberg. speedskating medals in the Winter Olympics.

EXPANDED COVERAGE DAILY: WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPECIALS/LONDON-2012-OLYMPICS E8 | SPORTS ☆ R FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

2012 LONDON

OLYMPIC VIEWING A guide to the games on TV

BY DAVID BAUDER in sports they rarely follow — with competition that they will lack this technical capability. ASSOCIATED PRESS the obvious exception of known clearly focused identities. With all that coverage on televi- personalities such as Michael Phelps. The best way to keep track of sion, NBC will be off ering even more The Summer Olympics Opening And if you want badminton or box- their daytime schedules is to keep online. That represents a change Ceremony takes place Friday, but the ing, you’ll have to turn elsewhere: checking NBCOlympics.com. in philosophy; the network once fi rst of 5,535 hours that NBC is show- The prime-time hours generally are As it has in the past, the CNBC worried that making competitions ing of the games began Wednesday concentrated on swimming, diving, business network is positioned as the available online could cut into the with qualifying rounds in women’s gymnastics, and track and fi eld. home of Olympic boxing, including number of people who want to watch soccer. With so many diff erent op- New to NBC this year is the women’s boxing for the fi rst time. on television. Now NBC’s leaders tions, viewers need a road map to amount of coverage presented during The competition will be focused believe all of the online competition make sense of it all. the business day, starting at 10 a.m. weekdays on the hours between the will compel viewers to want to watch NBC is promising that every com- following the “Today” show. close of fi nancial markets and the more online. petition in London will be available The cable and satellite networks beginning of TV prime time. The NBC Olympics Live Extra to U.S. consumers live, with the bulk avoid prime-time hours to funnel Between July 28 and Aug. 3, App gives fans a variety of options, of them seen online. those viewers into NBC. Except for Bravo will air the Olympics tennis including live streams of what is The centerpiece of coverage will those hours and the overnight in competition. being shown on the TV networks. be NBC’s prime-time, 8 p.m. to mid- London, a viewer could expect to The amount of hours available to Online channels also will be set up night on most evenings, with Bob see competition on NBC and cable Spanish-speaking viewers through to off er coverage of every single Costas as host. Given the time diff er- the rest of the day. Telemundo also are being sharply Olympic competition taking place, ence with England, all of the events The NBC Sports Network, for increased, and the network prom- and the Gold Zone will have rapidly- will be shown on a tape-delayed example, is on the air from 4 a.m. to ises a broader look at the range of moving coverage of the day’s most basis, although particularly rabid fans 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, the second full ASSOCIATED PRESS competitions than it has in the past. compelling live events. will have the opportunity to see each day of the competition. The cable Th e centerpiece of NBC’s Olympic Still, swimming, basketball and soc- To satisfy cable and satellite op- of these events online during the day. and satellite outfi t did not exist dur- coverage will feature Bob Costas as cer will be the sports the network erators, NBC is requiring viewers to Costas will give people an over- ing the last Olympics and will show host of an 8 p.m.-to-midnight show concentrates upon. prove that they have a cable or satel- view of the day’s big stories. But 292 hours of competition this year. on most evenings. Through cable and satellite pro- lite subscription in order to access the prime-time package is not de- It is being positioned as the home viders, NBC also is running special- the online options. This requires a signed to off er a complete picture of U.S. team sports. The centerpiece ity channels devoted to the basketball username and password from the of the games. As in the past, NBC of Sunday’s coverage, for example, is Sports Network to form an iden- and soccer competitions. For the companies, so interested viewers will be heavy on personal stories to the U.S. men’s basketball team’s game tity as a home of U.S. team sports, fi rst time, the Olympics will also would be advised to set those up make nonsports fans interested in against France. the truth is that NBC, NBC Sports be presented in 3-D with a special before the games start to avoid miss- strangers they will see competing While producers want the NBC and MSNBC are airing so much channel available to viewers with ing out.

FRIDAY, JULY 27 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts NBC Olympic schedule NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL Matches 2 Event finals Performance 7:30 p.m.–Midnight Opening Ceremony July August 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Qualifying 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Round: Russia vs. Brazil (LIVE), Angola vs. U.S. SATURDAY, JULY 28 Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. (LIVE) Opening (O), Closing (C) O C TELEMUNDO NBC 1 1 1 1 Archery 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; 5 a.m.–6 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; 2 575445881 Athletics (track and field) Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Women’s Men’s Cycling – Road Race (LIVE); Beach Badminton 1 2 2 Volleyball – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Tennis – Early 1 1 Volleyball – U.S. vs. South Korea (LIVE); Women’s Basketball Rounds; Boxing – Elimination Bouts 11 Basketball – U.S. Game (LIVE); Rowing – Beach volleyball Midnight–2:30 a.m. Swimming – Gold Medal Qualifying Heats Boxing 3 5 5 Finals; Men’s Gymnastics – Team Gold Medal 8 p.m.–Midnight Swimming – Gold Medal Canoe/kayak Final; Men’s Diving – Platform Synchronized Gold Finals: Men’s and Women’s 400M Individual • Slalom 1 1 2 Medal Final Medley, Men’s 400M Freestyle and Women’s • Sprint 4 4 4 4x100M Freestyle Relay; Men’s Gymnastics Cycling TUESDAY, JULY 31 – Team Competition; Beach Volleyball – U.S. • BMX 2 Qualifying Round • Mountain bike 1 1 NBC 12:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m. Women’s Weightlift ing • Road 1 1 2 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; – Gold Medal Final; Table Tennis – Qualifying • Track 2 2 1 1 3 Round Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Men’s Equestrian Volleyball – U.S. vs. Germany (LIVE); Men’s Water NBC SPORTS NETWORK • Dressage 1 1 Polo – U.S. vs. Romania (LIVE); Men’s Canoeing – 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Soccer – U.S. vs. • Eventing 2 Whitewater, C–1 Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Rowing Columbia (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying • Jumping 1 – Semifi nals Round (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Qualifying Fencing 111 121111 8 p.m.–Midnight Women’s Gymnastics – Round (LIVE); Equestrian – Eventing Dressage; Football 1 1 Women’s Fencing – Individual Foil Gold Medal Team Gold Medal Final; Swimming – Gold Medal Final; Shooting – Men and Women’s 10M Air Rifl e Gymnastics Finals: Men’s 200M Butterfl y, Men’s 4x200M Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Archery – Team Gold • Artistic 1 111 3 4 Freestyle Relay, Women’s 200M Freestyle and Medal Final; Women’s Handball – Qualifying • Rhythmic 1 1 Women’s 200M Individual Medley; Women’s Round • Trampoline 1 1 Diving – Platform Synchronized Gold Medal Final BRAVO Handball 1 1 Hockey 1 1 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Swimming – Semifi nals; 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – Early Rounds (LIVE) Judo 2 2 2 222 2 Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round MSNBC 1 1 Modern pentathlon NBC SPORTS NETWORK 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Qualifying Rowing 3344 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Soccer – U.S. vs. North Round (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Sailing 221111 Korea (LIVE); Men’s Basketball – U.S. vs. Tunisia Round (LIVE); Women’s Handball – Qualifying Shooting 221111 22 1 Round; Badminton – Qualifying Round; Table (LIVE), France vs. Argentina (LIVE); Equestrian – Tennis – Qualifying Round, Aquatics Eventing, Team Jumping Gold Medal Final (LIVE); • Swimming 44444444 Individual Jumping Final (LIVE); Beach Volleyball CNBC • Swimming marathon 1 1 – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Men’s Water Polo – 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Boxing – Elimination • Swimming, synchronized 1 1 Qualifying Round (LIVE); Boxing – Elimination Bouts (LIVE) • Diving 1111 1 1 1 1 Bouts (LIVE); Men’s Shooting – Skeet Gold Medal 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Table tennis 1 1 1 1 Final 2 222 Bouts (LIVE) Taekwondo BRAVO Tennis 23 NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – (LIVE); Singles Early Triathlon 1 1 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Qualifying Rounds and Doubles Quarterfi nals Volleyball 1 1 Round, Australia vs. Britain (LIVE) Water polo 1 1 MSNBC NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL Weightlifting 12222 21 1 1 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Field Hockey – U.S. vs. 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Qualifying Wrestling Argentina (LIVE); Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Round: Japan vs. Sweden (LIVE), New Zealand • Freestyle 222 3 2 Round (LIVE); Women’s Soccer – Qualifying vs. Brazil (LIVE), U.S. vs. Columbia (LIVE), France • Greco-Roman 2 2 Round (LIVE); Weightlift ing – Gold Medal Finals; vs. South Korea (LIVE), Canada vs. South Africa; Source: The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd. © 2012 MCT Women’s Table Tennis – Semifi nal; Men’s Britain vs. Cameroon Handball – Qualifying Round; Badminton – TELEMUNDO Qualifying Round 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Opening Ceremony; Swimming – 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL 8 p.m.–Midnight Swimming – Gold Medal CNBC Qualifying Heats; Women’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round: U.S. vs. France (LIVE); Spain vs. China Finals: Men’s 200M Freestyle, Men’s 100M 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Qualifying Backstroke, Women’s 100M Backstroke and 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts Round; Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round; (LIVE); Women’s Field Hockey – U.S. vs. Germany Round: Egypt vs. New Zealand (LIVE), Brazil (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round Women’s 100M Breaststroke; Men’s Gymnastics Boxing – Elimination Bouts vs. Belarus (LIVE), Senegal vs. Uruguay (LIVE), NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL (LIVE); Men’s Handball – Qualifying Round; Britain vs. United Arab Emirates (LIVE), Mexico – Team Gold Medal Final; Men’s Diving – Platform Midnight–2:30 a.m. Swimming – Gold Medal Equestrian – Eventing Dressage; Women’s Synchronized Gold Medal Final 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Finals; Men’s Gymnastics – Team Competition vs. Gabon, Japan vs. Morocco, South Korea vs. Shooting – Skeet Gold Medal Final; Women’s Switzerland, Spain vs. Honduras 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Swimming – Semifi nals; Round: Australia vs. Spain (LIVE), Britain vs. Brazil Archery – Team Gold Medal Final Canoeing – Whitewater Qualifying Heats TELEMUNDO (LIVE), France vs. Argentina (LIVE), Tunisia vs. U.S. SUNDAY, JULY 29 BRAVO (LIVE) 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Qualifying NBC SPORTS NETWORK NBC 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – Early Rounds (LIVE) Round: Mexico vs. Gabon, Spain vs. Honduras, 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Basketball – U.S. vs. NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL Senegal vs. Uruguay; Swimming – Qualifying 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Gymnastics – Team MSNBC Angola (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Heats; Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Round; Round (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Qualifying Competition; Swimming – Qualifying Heats; 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Qualifying Round Boxing – Elimination Bouts; Beach Volleyball – Round (LIVE); Equestrian – Eventing Cross Qualifying Round: Canada vs. Sweden (LIVE), U.S. Women’s Cycling – Road Race (LIVE); Beach (LIVE); Brazil vs. Belarus, Britain vs. United Arab Qualifying Round; Men’s Volleyball – Qualifying Country (LIVE); Boxing – Elimination Bouts Men’s vs. North Korea (LIVE), Britain vs. Brazil (LIVE), Volleyball – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Men’s Emirates; Weightlift ing – Gold Medal Finals; Table Round; Tennis – Early Rounds Shooting – 10M Air Rifl e Gold Medal Final Japan vs. South Africa, France vs. Columbia, New Volleyball – U.S. vs. Serbia (LIVE); Men’s Water Tennis – Qualifying Round; Badminton – Qualifying Zealand vs. Cameroon Midnight–2:30 a.m. Women’s Gymnastics BRAVO Polo – U.S. vs. Montenegro (LIVE); Rowing – Round – Team Competition; Swimming – Gold Medal Qualifying Heats TELEMUNDO CNBC Finals 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – Early Rounds (LIVE) 7 p.m.–Midnight Women’s Gymnastics – 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. MSNBC Team Competition; Swimming Gold Medal Finals: Boxing – Elimination MONDAY, JULY 30 Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Men’s Women’s 100M Butterfl y, Women’s 400M Bouts (LIVE) 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Qualifying Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Men’s Basketball Freestyle, Men’s 100M Breaststroke and Men’s 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Boxing – Elimination NBC Round (LIVE); Women’s Water Polo – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Weightlift ing – Gold Medal – Qualifying Round; Boxing – Elimination Bouts; 4x100M Freestyle Relay; Women’s Diving – Bouts (LIVE) 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Tennis – Qualifying Rounds Springboard Synchronized Gold Medal Final Finals; Table Tennis – Qualifying Round; NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL Heats Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round Badminton – Qualifying Round; Men’s Field Midnight–2:30 a.m. Women’s Gymnastics – 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – U.S. vs. Brazil Canoeing – Whitewater Hockey – Qualifying Round; Women’s Handball – Team Gold Medal Final; Swimming – Gold Medal Qualifying Heats 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying (LIVE); Women’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. Hungary Qualifying Round Round: Brazil vs. Australia (LIVE), U.S. vs. France (LIVE); Rowing – Qualifying Heats Canoeing – Finals; Women’s Diving – Platform Synchronized NBC SPORTS NETWORK (LIVE), Spain vs. China (LIVE) Whitewater Qualifying Heats CNBC Gold Medal Final

New to NBC this year is the amount of coverage presented during the business day, starting at 10 a.m. following the “Today” show. FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012 ☆ R SPORTS | E9

2012 LONDON

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 NBC SPORTS NETWORK NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Basketball – 8 p.m.–Midnight Track and Field – Gold Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Women’s Field Hockey 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Basketball – U.S. 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Medal Finals: Men’s 4 x 100M Relay, Men’s NBC – Semifi nals; Men’s Handball – Quarterfi nals 5000M, Men’s Javelin, Women’s 4 x 400M Qualifying Game (LIVE); Women’s Soccer Qualifying Round, Britain vs. Brazil (LIVE) (LIVE); Men’s Table Tennis – Team Bronze Medal 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; – Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Relay, Women’s 800M and Women’s High Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Elimination Round (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball TELEMUNDO MSNBC Jump; Men’s Diving – Platform Gold Medal Final; Women’s Volleyball – U.S. vs. China (LIVE); – Qualifying Round; Boxing – Elimination Bouts; Women’s Volleyball – Gold Medal Final 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Marathon; Women’s 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nals Women’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. Spain (LIVE); Men’s Archery – Individual Gold Medal Final; Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Beach Volleyball – Cycling – Individual Time Trial Rowing – Gold (LIVE); Men’s Water Polo – Quarterfi nals (LIVE); 12:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m. Wrestling – Freestyle Men’s Shooting – 50M Prone Rifl e Gold Medal Quarterfi nals; Men’s Tennis – Gold Medal Final; Women’s Boxing – Semifi nals; Women’s Medal Finals; Men’s Canoeing – Whitewater, K–1 Final Boxing – Elimination Bouts Gold Medal Finals Gold Medal Final Wrestling – Gold Medal Finals BRAVO Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold NBC SPORTS NETWORK 8 p.m.–Midnight Swimming – Gold Medal CNBC Medal Finals; Gymnastics – Individual Event Gold 4 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Gold Medal Finals: Men’s 200M Breaststroke, Men’s 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – Singles Semifi nals Medal Finals; Women’s Diving – Springboard Gold 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts 100M Freestyle, Women’s 200M Butterfl y (LIVE) Medal Final Final (LIVE); Track and Field: Men’s 50K Walk and Women’s 4x200M Freestyle Relay; Men’s MSNBC NBC OLYMPIC (LIVE) and Women’s 20K Walk (LIVE); Women’s Gymnastics – All–Around Gold Medal Final; BASKETBALL CHANNEL Handball – Gold Medal Final (LIVE) and Bronze Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Men’s 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Gymnastics – Trampoline MONDAY, AUGUST 6 Medal; Taekwondo – Gold Medal Finals Diving – Springboard Synchronized Gold Medal Qualifying (LIVE); Weightlift ing – Gold Medal 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Final Finals Women’s Handball – Qualifying Round; NBC Quarterfi nals MSNBC Equestrian – Dressage Qualifying; Badminton – TELEMUNDO 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Swimming – 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Bronze Men’s and Women’s Singles Semifi nals, Mixed Rounds; Men’s Volleyball – U.S. vs. Tunisia Semifi nals; Women’s Table Tennis – Singles Gold Doubles Bronze Medal; Table Tennis – Team 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Medal (LIVE); Men’s Field Hockey – Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Men’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. Hungary Quarterfi nals; Track and Field – Qualifying Medal Final and Bronze Medal; Men’s Modern Competition (LIVE); Cycling – Track Gold Medal Final (LIVE); NBC SPORTS NETWORK Rounds; Men’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nals; Pentathlon; Taekwondo – Qualifying Match CNBC Equestrian – Team Jumping Gold Medal Final; Women’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal Synchronized Swimming – Duet Qualifying CNBC 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Basketball – U.S. 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts Midnight–2:30 a.m. Game (LIVE); Men’s Soccer – Qualifying Round Round; Canoeing – Sprint Qualifying Heats Track and Field – Gold Medal Finals; Women’s Diving – Platform 3:30 – 6 p.m. Boxing – Gold Medal Finals (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL 8 p.m.–Midnight Gymnastics – Individual Qualifying; Women’s Beach Volleyball – Gold (LIVE) (LIVE); Men’s Field Hockey – Qualifying Round; Event Gold Medal Finals: Men’s Still Rings, Medal Final Women’s Shooting – 25M Pistol Gold Medal 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Qualifying Round, Russia vs. Australia (LIVE) Men’s Vault and Women’s Uneven Bars; Track NBC OLYMPIC Final and Field – Gold Medal Finals: Men’s 400M, BASKETBALL CHANNEL BRAVO NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL Men’s 400M Hurdles and Women’s Pole Vault; THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Beach Volleyball – Quarterfi nal; Men’s Diving – Noon–Midnight Women’s Basketball – Gold 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Quarterfi nals NBC 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis – Early Rounds (LIVE) Springboard Qualifying Medal Final TELEMUNDO MSNBC 12:35 p.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; Medal Finals; Cycling – Track Events Rounds; Women’s Diving – Platform Semifi nals; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Qualifying Women’s Water Polo – Gold Medal Final 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Gold Medal (LIVE); Women’s Basketball – Qualifying; Boxing Track and Field – Qualifying Rounds; Women’s NBC SPORTS NETWORK Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Tennis – Singles (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Semifi nal (LIVE); Final – Elimination Bouts (LIVE); Weightlift ing – Gold 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Basketball – U.S. vs. Men’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal (LIVE); Medal Finals; Women’s Sabre – Gold Medal Semifi nals; Beach Volleyball – Elimination Women’s Swimming – Marathon; Canoeing – Round; Boxing – Elimination Bouts Argentina (LIVE); Women’s Soccer – Semifi nals TELEMUNDO Final; Men’s Table Tennis – Singles Quarterfi nals; (LIVE); Women’s Boxing – Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Sprint Gold Medal Final Women’s Handball – Qualifying Round Midnight–2:30 a.m. Swimming – Gold Medal Women’s Field Hockey – U.S. vs. South Africa 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Gold Medal Badminton – Qualifying Round 8 p.m.–Midnight Track and Field – Gold Finals; Track and Field – Gold Medal Finals; (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Men’s Medal Finals: Decathlon, Men’s Triple Jump, Final; Gymnastics – Rhythmic Gold Medal Final; CNBC Women’s Diving – Springboard Qualifying Weightlift ing – Gold Medal Final; Men’s Shooting Men’s 200M and Men’s 800M; Women’s Track and Field – Gold Medal Finals; Women’s – 50M Th ree Positions Gold Medal Final and Trap Diving – Platform Gold Medal Final; Men’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal; Boxing – Gold Medal 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 Gold Medal Final Volleyball – Gold Medal Final; Men’s Cycling – Final (LIVE) NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL BMX Quarterfi nals NBC MSNBC Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Women’s Basketball – 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Diving – Platform Gold 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Beach Volleyball – Quarterfi nals Medal Final; Gymnastics – Rhythmic Qualifying Qualifying Round: Australia vs. Brazil (LIVE), 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Track and Field – Men’s (LIVE); Men’s Basketball – Spain vs. Brazil (LIVE); Medal Final; Women’s Volleyball – Gold Medal Britain vs. Russia (LIVE) 10,000M Gold Medal Final (LIVE) and Qualifying Wrestling – Greco Roman Gold Medal Finals; NBC SPORTS NETWORK Final Rounds; Women’s Tennis – Gold Medal Final Table Tennis – Team Semifi nals NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Elimination Round 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Gold Medal 9:30 a.m.–12:30 a.m. Men’s Soccer – (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – U.S. vs. Russia (LIVE); CNBC Final (LIVE), Bronze Medal (LIVE); Women’s SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 Men’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. Serbia (LIVE); Cycling Basketball – Semifi nals (LIVE); Synchronized Qualifying Round: Brazil vs. New Zealand (LIVE); 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Boxing – Quarterfi nals NBC Spain vs. Morocco (LIVE); Britain vs. Uruguay – Track Gold Medal Final; Rowing – Gold Medal Swimming – Team Qualifying; Women’s Wrestling – Finals; Women’s Gymnastics – Trampoline Gold NBC OLYMPIC Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Field Hockey – Semifi nal (LIVE); Egypt vs. Belarus; Mexico vs. Switzerland; 6 a.m.–9 a.m. Men’s Marathon Japan vs. Honduras; South Korea vs. Gabon; Medal Final BASKETBALL CHANNEL MSNBC 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Gold Medal Senegal vs. United Arab Emirates 8 p.m.–Midnight Swimming – Gold Medal 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Finals: Men’s and Women’s 4x100M Medley 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Basketball Final (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – Gold Medal Final; TELEMUNDO Round, Britain vs. China (LIVE), Spain vs. Brazil – Semifi nals (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Relay, Women’s 50M Freestyle and Men’s (LIVE), Argentina vs. U.S. (LIVE) Men’s Water Polo – Gold Medal Final; Wrestling 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Qualifying 1500M Free; Track and Field – Gold Medal Semifi nal (LIVE); Women’s Water Polo – Bronze – Freestyle Gold Medal Final; Gymnastics – Medal (LIVE); Equestrian – Individual Dressage Round: Mexico vs. Switzerland, Brazil vs. New Finals: Women’s 100M, Women’s Heptathlon NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL Rhythmic Group Gold Medal Final and Men’s Long Jump; Beach Volleyball Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Men’s Field Hockey – Zealand, Britain vs. Uruguay; Swimming – Noon–Midnight Women’s Soccer – Semifi nals Qualifying Heats; Tennis – Early Rounds; Boxing – Elimination Round; Women’s Diving – Semifi nal; Women’s Handball – Semifi nal 7 p.m.–10:38 p.m. Closing Ceremony – Elimination Bouts Springboard Semifi nals TELEMUNDO CNBC NBC SPORTS NETWORK Midnight–2:30 a.m. Swimming – Gold 12:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Boxing – Gold Medal 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Bronze Medal Finals; Men’s Gymnastics – All–Around Medal Finals; Women’s Badminton – Singles Rounds; Men’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Finals Gold Medal Final; Men’s Diving – Springboard Gold Medal Final Medal (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – Bronze Medal; Synchronized Swimming – Duet Qualifying Round; NBC OLYMPIC Synchronized Gold Medal Final NBC SPORTS NETWORK Beach Volleyball – Quarterfi nals Men’s Water Polo – Bronze Medal (LIVE); Men’s BASKETBALL CHANNEL Handball – Gold Medal Final (LIVE) and Bronze Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Basketball – U.S. Noon-Midnight Medal; Women’s Modern Pentathlon – Gold THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 Qualifying Game (LIVE); Women’s Triathlon Medal Finals; Gymnastics – Individual Event Women’s basketball - Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Diving – Springboard Semifi nals Medal Final NBC (LIVE); Men’s Tennis – Doubles Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Elimination Qualifying; Men’s Boxing – Quarterfi nals NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL MSNBC Round (LIVE); Women’s Field Hockey – U.S. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; 7 a.m.–11 a.m. Men’s Cycling – Mountain Bike Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round (LIVE); vs. New Zealand (LIVE); Equestrian – Jumping TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Soccer – Gold Medal Men’s Volleyball – U.S. vs. Brazil (LIVE); Men’s Qualifying Round; Cycling – Track Events; Men’s Final Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Wrestling – Freestyle Water Polo – U.S. vs. Britain (LIVE); Cycling – Weightlift ing – Gold Medal Final NBC TELEMUNDO Qualifying Track Gold Medal Finals (LIVE); Rowing – Gold MSNBC CNBC Medal Finals; Canoeing – Whitewater, Men’s 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying Rounds; Beach Volleyball – Semifi nals (LIVE); Rounds; Women’s Volleyball – Semifi nals; C–2 Gold Medal Final (LIVE) 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Quarterfi nals Women’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nal (LIVE); Men’s 8:30 a.m.–11 a.m. Boxing – Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Men’s Water Polo – Qualifying Round; Women’s Diving – Platform Semifi nals; (LIVE) 8 p.m.–Midnight Women’s Gymnastics – Diving – Springboard Semifi nals; Women’s Synchronized Swimming – Team Qualifying All–Around Gold Medal Final; Swimming – Gold Women’s Badminton – Doubles Gold Medal Water Polo – Semifi nals (LIVE); Cycling – Track Final and Singles Bronze Medal; Men’s Track Round; Men’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal NBC OLYMPIC Medal Finals: Women’s 200M Breaststroke, Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Canoeing – Sprint BASKETBALL CHANNEL Women’s 100M Freestyle, Men’s 200M and Field – 20K Walk Qualifying Heats Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold Backstroke and Men’s 200M Individual Medley; CNBC Medal Finals; Women’s Diving – Platform Gold 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Gold Medal 8 p.m.–Midnight Gymnastics – Individual Medal Final; Beach Volleyball – Gold Medal Final Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round; Women’s Final Rowing – Eights Gold Medal Final 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Boxing – Elimination Event Gold Medal Finals: Men’s Parallel Bars, Bouts (LIVE) Men’s High Bar, Women’s Balance Beam and NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Women’s Canoeing – Women’s Floor Exercise; Track and Field – Gold FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 Whitewater, K–1 Gold Medal Final; Men’s Table 3:30–6:30 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts Medal Finals: Women’s 100M Hurdles and Men’s (LIVE) NBC 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Gold Medal Tennis – Singles Gold Medal Final 1500M; Beach Volleyball – Semifi nal; Men’s Final NBC SPORTS NETWORK NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL Diving – Springboard Gold Medal Final 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Men’s Water Polo – Semifi nals 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold (LIVE); Gymnastics – Rhythmic Qualifying; TELEMUNDO 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Basketball – U.S. Game 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Synchronized Swimming – Team Gold Medal Round: Tunisia vs. France (LIVE), China vs. Brazil Medal Finals; Men’s Weightlift ing – Super 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Men’s Volleyball – Gold Medal (LIVE); Beach Volleyball – Qualifying Round Heavyweight Gold Medal Final Final; Wrestling – Freestyle Gold Medal Finals; (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round; (LIVE), Britain vs. Australia (LIVE) Men’s Swimming – Marathon; Canoeing – Sprint Final; Men’s Track and Field – Marathon; Boxing Women’s Field Hockey – U.S. vs. Australia (LIVE); NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL NBC SPORTS NETWORK Qualifying Heats – Gold Medal Finals; Gymnastics – Rhythmic Gold Medal Final; Men’s Basketball – Gold Boxing – Elimination Bouts (LIVE); Men’s Table 4 a.m.–8 p.m. Women’s Basketball – Tennis – Singles Semifi nal; Men’s Shooting – 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Quarterfi nals 8 p.m.–Midnight Track and Field – Gold Medal Medal Final Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Men’s Soccer – Semifi nals Finals: Men’s 4x400M Relay, Men’s Pole Vault, Double Trap Gold Medal Final; Women’s Archery TELEMUNDO (LIVE); Men’s Triathlon (LIVE); Cycling – Track – Individual Gold Medal Final Women’s 4x100M Relay and Women’s 1500M; Events (LIVE); Equestrian – Team Dressage Gold Men’s Diving – Platform Qualifying Round; D.C.’s Kevin Durant and the U.S. BRAVO 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Quarterfi nals; Medal Final (LIVE); Synchronized Swimming Cycling – BMX Gold Medal Finals men’s team are heavy favorites to Beach Volleyball – Elimination Round; Track and – Duet Gold Medal Final; Men’s Field Hockey – 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tennis (LIVE): Singles Field – Qualifying Rounds; Boxing – Elimination Qualifying Round 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold once again win it all. Th e gold-medal Quarterfi nals and Doubles Semifi nals Bouts; Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Round Medal Finals MSNBC matchup is set for the fi nal day of MSNBC Midnight–2:30 a.m. Swimming – Gold Medal NBC SPORTS NETWORK the games, Sunday, Aug. 12. Finals; Track and Field – Gold Medal Finals; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Beach Volleyball – Semifi nals 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Women’s Diving – Springboard Semifi nals (LIVE); Women’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nals 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Semifi nals Round; Men’s Water Polo – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Women’s Water Polo – Semifi nals (LIVE); (LIVE); Boxing – Semifi nals (LIVE); Wrestling (LIVE); Women’s Field Hockey – Qualifying Wrestling – Gold Medal Final; Women’s Table – Freestyle Qualifying Round; Women’s Field Round (LIVE); Men’s Handball – Qualifying SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 Tennis – Team Gold Medal Final Hockey – Gold Medal Final and Bronze Medal Round; Badminton – Semifi nals; Women’s MSNBC Judo – Gold Medal Final; Equestrian – Dressage NBC CNBC Qualifying 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Marathon (LIVE); 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Men’s Boxing – Quarterfi nals 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Bronze Medal CNBC Beach Volleyball – Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Men’s (LIVE); Men’s Volleyball – Semifi nal (LIVE); Men’s Tennis – Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Women’s NBC OLYMPIC Water Polo – Semifi nal; Wrestling – Freestyle 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Bouts Volleyball – U.S. vs. Turkey (LIVE); Women’s BASKETBALL CHANNEL Repechages; Men’s Handball – Semifi nal, NBC OLYMPIC BASKETBALL CHANNEL Water Polo – Quarterfi nal (LIVE); Women’s 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Women’s Basketball – CNBC Basketball – U.S. vs. China (LIVE); Cycling – Quarterfi nals 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Men’s Basketball – Qualifying Track Gold Medal Final; Equestrian – Team 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Boxing – Semifi nals Round: Australia vs. China (LIVE), Argentina vs. Jumping Gold Medal Final, Round 1 NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHANNEL NBC OLYMPIC Tunisia (LIVE), Spain vs. Britain (LIVE) 7 p.m.–Midnight Gymnastics – Individual Event Noon–Midnight Men’s Soccer – Semifi nals BASKETBALL CHANNEL TELEMUNDO Gold Medal Finals: Men’s Floor Exercise, Men’s Pommel Horse and Women’s Vault; Track and TELEMUNDO Noon–Midnight Men’s Basketball – Semifi nals 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; Field – Gold Medal Finals: Men’s 100M, Women’s 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Men’s Soccer – Semifi nals; Boxing – Elimination Bouts; Men’s Volleyball – 400M, and Women’s Triple Jump; Women’s Diving Men’s Boxing – Quarterfi nals; Track and Field – NBC OLYMPIC SOCCER CHAN- Qualifying Round; Tennis – Singles Quarterfi nals – Springboard Gold Medal Final; Beach Volleyball Qualifying Rounds; Men’s Diving – Springboard NEL and Doubles Semifi nals; Beach Volleyball – – Quarterfi nals Semifi nals; Women’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nals; Qualifying Round; Men’s Basketball – Qualifying 2:45 p.m.–2:45 a.m. Men’s 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold Synchronized Swimming – Duet Gold Medal Round Final; Beach Volleyball – Semifi nals Bronze Medal and Women’s Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Badminton – Singles Gold Medal Final Encore Midnight–2:30 a.m. Women’s Gymnastics – Medal Final Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Field – Gold All–Around Gold Medal Final; Swimming – Gold Medal Finals; Gymnastics – Individual Event TELEMUNDO Medal Finals NBC SPORTS NETWORK Gold Medal Finals; Men’s Diving – Springboard 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Gymnastics – 4 a.m.–7 p.m. Tennis – Mixed and Women’s Gold Medal Final Rhythmic Qualifying Round; Boxing FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Doubles Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Beach – Semifi nals; Men’s Volleyball – Volleyball – Quarterfi nals (LIVE); Women’s Semifi nals; Synchronized Swimming NBC Weightlift ing – Super Heavyweight Gold Medal WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 – Team Gold Medal Final; Men’s Final; Women’s Volleyball – Qualifying Round; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Swimming – Qualifying Heats; NBC Basketball – Semifi nals; Men’s Cycling – Track Events (LIVE); Men’s Field Hockey Soccer – Bronze Medal Track and Field – Women’s 10,000M Gold – Qualifying Round (LIVE); Men’s Badminton – 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Track and Field – Qualifying Medal Final (LIVE), Qualifying Rounds; Beach Singles and Doubles Bronze Medal and Doubles Rounds; Men’s Water Polo – Quarterfi nal (LIVE); Midnight–2:30 a.m. Track and Volleyball – Elimination Round (LIVE); Women’s Gold Medal Final Cycling – Men & Women’s BMX Qualifying (LIVE); Field – Gold Medal Finals, Men’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. China (LIVE); Men’s Diving – Platform Qualifying Round MSNBC Women’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal (LIVE); Gymnastics – Trampoline Gold Medal Final Equestrian – Individual Jumping Gold Medal Final; (LIVE); Rowing – Gold Medal Final 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Water Polo – Quarterfi nals Canoeing – Sprint Gold Medal Final SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 8 p.m.–Midnight Swimming – Gold Medal (LIVE); Wrestling – Greco Roman Gold Medal Finals; 8 p.m.–11:08 p.m. Track and Field – Gold Finals: Men’s 100M Butterfl y, Men’s 50M Synchronized Swimming – Duet Qualifying Round; Medal Finals: Women’s 200M, Women’s 400M NBC Freestyle, Women’s 200M Backstroke and Men’s Field Hockey – Qualifying Round; Men’s Table Hurdles, Women’s Long Jump and Men’s 110M Women’s 800M Freestyle; Track and Field – Tennis – Team Quarterfi nals; Women’s Handball – 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Women’s Qualifying Round Hurdles; Women’s Diving – Platform Qualifying; Basketball – Gold Medal Final (LIVE); Men’s Shot Put Gold Medal Final; Women’s Women’s Beach Volleyball – Gold Medal Final; Gymnastics – Rhythmic Gold Medal Diving – Springboard Qualifying; Women’s CNBC Men’s Volleyball – Quarterfi nal, Volleyball – U.S. vs. Serbia; Cycling – Track Gold Final; Women’s Cycling – Mountain 12:05 a.m.–1:05 a.m. Track and Field – Bike Gold Medal Final; Women’s Medal Final 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Boxing – Elimination Volleyball – Bronze Medal; Bouts (LIVE) Qualifying Rounds; Men’s Table Tennis – Team 12:35 a.m.–1:35 a.m. Track and Field – Gold Medal Final Wrestling – Freestyle Semifi nals; Qualifying Rounds; Badminton – Mixed Doubles 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Boxing – Elimination Canoeing – Sprint Gold Medal Gold Medal Final Bouts (LIVE) NBC SPORTS NETWORK Finals

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2012 LONDON

River Thames Central London East side of the city From Olympic Stadium, it’s OLYMPIC VENUES 3.7 miles to Central London, Canary Wharf Competitions will be held in a collection of brand-new facilities at Olympic Park in and 2.4 miles to the Canary East London, and at other sites across the London area, as well as in four other English cities, in Cardiff and in Glasgow. Wharf financial district, in straight-line distances River LeaRiver Lea Olympic Park, center of activity Olympic Park KEY to main map detailed below Covers 1.2 square miles in east London, including parts of neighborhoods of Bow, Homerton, Leyton and Stratford; next to Stratford City, a large mixed-use development Venue name 328 feet (sports to be Estimated costs Olympic Stadium (at front edge of this map) hosted here) (Track events, athletics) $14.6 billion to regenerate this area of East London, build new Olympic Park Handball Arena, or Transport Spectator infrastructure and stage the Games; Pudding “Copper Box” Hackney entrances Mill Lane (Handball, goalball, Wick In the wake of major recent upgrades to some say the total bill could exceed Station $17.2 billion Greenway modern pentathlon) Station the area’s rail network, Olympic Park will be served by 10 rail lines with a total Spectator capacity of 240,000 riders per hour zones

West Ham Station ArcelorMittal 1 mile southeast London Orbit Underground Site facts • Opening and closing Media center ceremonies will be held in Water polo London Olympic Stadium arena Overground • The River Lea is a tributary which joins the Aquatics Center River National Rail River Thames, and flows (Diving, swimming, Lea through Olympic Park synchronized Parklands swimming, Stratford International Station Riverbank Arena Docklands modern pentathlon) Light Rail (Field hockey) Stratford Station Velodrome Retail center (Track cycling) • The Olympic Village ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 377 foot tall Basketball sculpture with arena two observation (Basketball, platforms,near handball) Olympic Stratford City A106 Stadium BMX track Eton Manor (BMX Alma St. cycling) 656 feet Chobham (at front edge of this map) • Parklands Academy The greenway includes 250 • Olympic Village includes species of trees and plantings from 2,818 new apartments set in A12 around the world 11 residential parcels Crownfield Rd.

10 miles 13 Venues near London Atlantic Other venues In the London area, 17 Ocean Outside London, venues outside of Olympic several stadiums will Park will also host events be part of the soccer competition; sailing 3 Olympic Park SCOTLANDS OT Multiple venues 1717 events will be held Brentwood near Weymouth SloughSlouSloSloughlouougougghh 4 8

7 1414 SouthendSoSSoutouo thethhendd EdinburghEdinbuburururgrgh 1 101 Basildon 6 Belfast Newcastle-upon-TyneNewwcastle-up Heathrowrorrowow LondonLLondoLonondonoondondon 151 NOTE: Venues and sports inside 2 Olympic Park are shown on the Thames main map, above IRELAND 5 121 Estuary North RiverRi er Dublin ThamesThammmes Sea ENGLANDGLG BirminghamBiirmminghamamam Venues, sports 16 21 CoventryCovCCoventryveveen y 1. Eton Dorney Rowing Center Eight-lane course near Windsor Castle; Biggin Hill Detailed, left about 25 miles west of London, Rowing, canoe sprint London 2. Hampton Court Palace Former home 100 miles to monarchs, Road cycling Wembley Stadium Maidstone 3. Wembley Arena Multiuse arena; music venue, Badminton, rhythmic Artistic gymnastics, trampoline, gymnastics basketball 4. Wembley Stadium England’s 13. Lee Valley White Water Center national stadium; 6 miles northwest 18.5 miles north of Olympic Park, Canoe of city center, Soccer slalom 5. Wimbledon Famed lawn tennis center, 14. ExCeL Exhibition and conference Tennis center, Boxing, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, 6. Earl’s Court Exhibition and event 10. The Mall Ceremonial route near wrestling, boccia center, Volleyball Buckingham Palace, Marathon, road 15. Royal Artillery Barracks Former Wimbledon Olympic Stadium 7. Hyde Park One of the larger Royal cycling home of the artillery regiment of the 21. City of Coventry Stadium Home Parks of London, Triathlon, marathon 11. Greenwich Park Oldest of the Royal British Army, Shooting 18. Hampden Park Scotland’s national swimming stadium, in south Glasgow, Soccer to Coventry City team, Soccer Parks, home to the Royal Observatory, 16. Brands Hatch Motor and cycling 8. Lord’s Cricket Ground Famous Equestrian events, modern pentathlon racing circuit, Paralympic road cycling 19. St. James’ Park Home of Newcastle 22. Millennium Stadium National stadium cricket facility in St. Johns Wood, Archery United team, in Newscastle-upon-Tyne, Soccer of Wales, in the capital, Cardiff, Soccer 12. North Greenwich Arena The former 17. Hadleigh Farm New biking course 9. Horse Guard’s Parade Across from Millennium Dome was redone with a new built at this educational working farm, 20. Old Trafford Home of Manchester United 23. Weymouth Bay/Portland Harbor Buckingham Palace, Beach volleyball arena under the roof in 2007, Mountain biking team Soccer Home to a national sailing academy, Sailing Source: London 2012, BBC, U.K. Mapping Agency, Independent Olympic Site, Transport for London Graphic: Robert Dorrell © 2012 MCT

he said. “I knew I had to run my heart out feature not only two top American sprint- SPRINTERS just to make the team.” ers battling back from adversity, but also From page E5 Gay fi nished just 0.06 seconds behind three top Jamaican sprinters. Gatlin for the silver. Joining Gatlin and Gay Bolt, 25, will be joined by teammates when a right hip injury slowed him and in the men’s 100 meters will be Ryan Bailey, and rivals Asafa Powell, 29, a former put his career in jeopardy. He had surgery 23, who placed third. Neither Gatlin nor world-record holder, and Yohan Blake, 22, in 2011 and was sidelined for nearly a year. Gay will compete in the 200 meters, but the current world champion. Blake, Powell “I had a lot of doubts,” Gay said of they will team up in the 4x100 relay. and Gay are the only sprinters who have the surgery. “I tried to tune them out. It Gay called his runner-up fi nish defeated Bolt. was just everything I had to go through. I bittersweet. Greene, who will be at the games as couldn’t even jog until March.” “I always like to win, and I came in a commentator for Fox Sports and Euro Gay would run only once before the second,” Gay said. “But at the end of the Sports, says this is anybody’s race. Olympic trials in July in Eugene. day, it was about making the team. I got to He said that unlike four years ago, Bolt In a cold and windy rain, Gay lined up make sure I turn this little bit of a frown is not a lock for the gold. The qualifying in the blocks. As it was for Gatlin, the trials into a happy face. For me to start training rounds of the men’s 100 meters will be held would be a make-or-break moment. The in March and make the team is a beautiful Aug. 4, and the semifi nals and fi nal Aug. 5. next 10 seconds could either revive or end accomplishment.” “I don’t think Usain is the Usain of ASSOCIATED PRESS the career for Gay, who will turn 30 on China,” Greene said. “He’s not in that type Sprinter Tyson Gay was sidelined for nearly a year aft er Aug. 9 during the London Games. An Olympic showdown of shape or form. I think it’s going to be a having surgery on his right hip in 2011. “I knew it was going to be a dogfi ght,” The men’s 100 meters in London will closer race than everyone thinks.”

“I knew it was going to be a dogfi ght,” Gay said. “I knew I had to run my heart out just to make the team.”