PARIS — From the women’s marathon to the closing ceremony, here are five things to watch for at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, August 11:
WOMEN’S MARATHON
For the first time, the women’s marathon will conclude the Olympic track and field meeting, rather than the men’s edition of the event that took place on Saturday. Canada will be represented by Malindi Elmore of Kelowna BC, who is competing in her third Olympic Games. Elmore, 44, made her debut as a track and field athlete at the 2004 Athens Games and returned in Tokyo to compete in the marathon, where she finished ninth in 2 hours 30 minutes 59 seconds.
BASKETBALL FINALE
Olympic host France will face the USA in the women’s basketball final. The Americans are going into the game with a 60-game Olympic winning streak. The USA are aiming to become the first team to win eight Olympic gold medals in a row in one sport. Belgium will face Australia for the bronze medal.
POLO GAME
Two-time Olympic champions Serbia will face 2012 champions Croatia for gold in men’s water polo. Serbia is trying to become the third men’s team to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals, while Croatia, as reigning world champions, has a chance to become the fourth team to win Olympic gold.
VOLLEYBALL GOLD
The battle for glory in women’s volleyball now comes down to the United States and top-seeded Italy. The Americans are looking to defend their gold medal from Tokyo after beating Brazil in the semifinals, while Italy swept No. 3 Turkey to advance to the final. Italy is playing its first gold medal match in the women’s competition.
FINAL CEREMONY
The Games will end after 16 days with a ceremony expected to feature more than 100 artists, acrobats, dancers and circus performers at the Stade de France. There will also be traditional elements such as the athletes’ parade and the handover of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 10, 2024.
The Canadian Press
