PARIS — From water safety concerns at the marathon swimming event to Canada’s medal hopes in weightlifting and track and field, here are five things to watch for at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 8:
MARATHON SWIMMING
Emma Finlin of Edmonton is scheduled to take part in the women’s marathon swimming event in the morning amid concerns about the water quality of the Seine. A test run designed to give Olympic athletes a chance to familiarise themselves with the 10-kilometre course, which is scheduled to start and end at the Pont Alexandre III, was cancelled on Tuesday due to fluctuating bacteria levels in the long-polluted waterway.
Relays on the race track
The highly anticipated men’s and women’s 4x100m relay events are underway. First up is the Canadian women’s team in the second heat at the Stade de France, followed by the men’s quartet, also competing in the second heat. The men won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics under the leadership of star sprinter Andre De Grasse.
Hope for a medal
Maude Charron of Rimouski, Quebec, is looking to build on her performance in Tokyo, where she won gold in the women’s weightlifting 64 kilograms. Since that event is no longer part of the Olympics this time, Charron will compete in the 59 kilograms class. Charron was one of Canada’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony in Paris, alongside sprinter Andre De Grasse.
KAYAK SEMIS
Canada will attempt to qualify for the Olympic finals in both the men’s four-man kayak and the women’s four-man kayak events. First up is the women’s 500m semifinal, where the Canadians will attempt to be one of the two fastest against Serbia, Australia and Norway. In the men’s category, Canada’s heat will also feature Ukraine, Australia, Spain and Serbia, with the fastest four qualifying for the final.
HURDLES FINAL
Savannah Sutherland of Saskatoon is Canada’s medal hope in the women’s 400-meter hurdles final. The 21-year-old was one of two non-automatic runners and finished fourth in the third semifinal heat on Tuesday with a time of 53.80 seconds.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 7, 2024.
The Canadian Press
