The U.S. track and field trials begin today. USA Network and NBC share the television coverage this year, beginning Saturday. But don't look for it Tuesday and Wednesday, because that's when the trials take a break. Here are the key events, and athletes to watch.
Today
Women's 100-meter qualifying and quarterfinals: A remarkably deep field led by Allyson Felix, Marshevet Hooker, Torri Edwards, Carmelita Jeter and Muna Lee.
Women's 10,000-meter finals: Shalane Flanagan last month set an American record of 30 minutes 34.49 seconds, the fastest time in the world in 2008. Kara Goucher (31:26.48 qualifying time) might challenge her.
Saturday
Men's 100-meter qualifying and quarterfinals: Athens gold medalist Justin Gatlin, serving a drug ban, had been trying every legal avenue to be allowed to run but was thwarted. Could have turned into a circus.
Women's 100 meters semifinals and final: Should be some fast times. Athens silver medalist Lauryn Williams looks to move up a step on the medal stand in Beijing.
Women's heptathlon final events: Little hope of an Olympic medalist emerging here.
Men's shotput final: Adam Nelson, Christian Cantwell and Reese Hoffa are 1-2-3 in the world this year. One or more could get medal in Beijing.
Sunday
Men's and women's 400-meter hurdles finals: Kerron Clement (47.79) and Bershawn Jackson (48.15) have recorded the four fastest times in the world this year. Lashinda Demus has a world-leading 53.99.
Men's 100-meter final: Who's the fastest American -- and can he beat Jamaican Usain Bolt's world-record 9.72?
Men's pole vault final: Brad Walker set an American record of 19 feet 9 3/4 inches at Hayward Field on June 8. He might have home-pole advantage.
Monday
Men's and women's 800-meter finals: Khadevis Robinson of Santa Monica (1:44.27 qualifying mark) is the one to watch among the men. Hazel Clark (1:59.82) is the only U.S. woman to run under two minutes this year.
Men's 5,000 final: Bernard Lagat and Matt Tegenkamp were ranked in the world's top 10 for 2007 by Track & Field News, rare for two U.S. men.
Men's decathlon final events: Bryan Clay of Glendora was the Athens silver medalist.
Thursday
Men's and women's 400 meter finals: Athens champ Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merritt have six of the world's top seven times this year. They were 1-2 at the 2007 World Championships. For the women, Sanya Richards (49.27 qualifying time) is favored.
