The Games plan

Track and field. One of the Olympics' premier events, the men's 100, will take place in prime time -- for Chinese audiences -- but very early in the morning PDT. The United States' Tyson Gay takes on the Jamaicans.

Aug. 17

Track and field. Again, one of the marquee events, the women's 100, is for early risers in the United States. Two Southern Californians, Torri Edwards and Muna Lee, are expected to chase Jamaica's Kerron Stewart to the finish line.

Gymnastics. The individual apparatus finals begin for men and women.

Diving. China favored for 1-2 in the women's three-meter springboard finals.

Aug. 18

Track and field. The women's pole vault competition should be one of the best of the Games with Russian world-record holder Yelena Isinbayeva favored over the United States' Jenn Stuczynski.

Men's basketball. Kobe versus Kaman, U.S. versus Germany. It's probably more accurate to say Kobe versus Dirk Nowitzki.

Men's triathlon. Spain is winning everything else this year -- European soccer championship, Wimbledon, Tour de France. Why not this? Javier Gomez is favored.

Aug. 19

Diving. Deja vu. China favored for 1-2 in the men's three-meter springboard finals. Troy Dumais from Ventura is a contender for the bronze.

Track and field. Look out for Lo Lo Jones of the United States in the women's 100 hurdles. After the Olympics, she is planning to run against a horse. Shouldn't it be a steeplechase?

Swimming. Natalie du Toit of South Africa, whose left leg was amputated in 2001, is among the favorites in the 10K.

Aug. 20

Beach volleyball. The gold-medal match, expected to feature May-Treanor and Walsh, goes prime time for U.S. audiences.

Track and field. Even though Jamaica's Usain Bolt is the world-record holder in the 100, he's not necessarily the best in the world at that distance. So he may decide to skip that race. But you can catch him in the 200. He's not the world-record holder, but he's definitely the class of the field.

Cycling. See the BMX debut as an Olympic sport.

Aug. 21

Beach volleyball. The men play for the gold medal. Will Dalhausser and Rogers be one of the finalists?

Soccer. The men play for the gold medal. It will be a surprise if the U.S. team is in the stadium without having to buy tickets. Bet on Brazil. Always bet on Brazil. Or maybe Argentina.

Softball. In the finale, perhaps ever for the Olympics, the United States should win another gold medal.