Paris Preview: Monday, July 29 – Thrilling Men’s Gymnastics and Epic Swimming Showdowns

Swimmers are poised to bring the heat in the pool, and the U.S. women’s basketball team is set to commence its quest for a record eighth consecutive gold medal.

WASHINGTON — Monday’s Paris Olympics schedule features thrilling swimming finals and an eagerly anticipated gymnastics face-off.

Swimming

The women’s 100-meter breaststroke initiates the day with Lilly King, a 2016 gold medalist, aiming to reclaim her dominance.

The women’s 400-meter individual medley final kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET at Paris La Défense Arena, with Canada’s Summer McIntosh as a favored competitor. She recently broke her world record at the Canadian Olympic trials. Qualifying rounds start early at 5 a.m. ET.

Additionally, McIntosh will participate in the women’s 200 freestyle, the day’s final swimming event. She recently secured a silver in the 400 freestyle, outperforming the U.S.’s Katie Ledecky.

For the men, notable events include the 200 freestyle final and the 100 backstroke final.

Diving

The men’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving final begins Monday morning. Britain’s Tom Daley aims to defend his title with partner Noah Williams. No Team USA divers qualified for this event.

Men’s Gymnastics Finals

Following a stunning performance by Simone Biles and Suni Lee on Sunday, the U.S. men’s gymnastics team looks to shine in their finals. Team USA hopes for a team bronze with the event starting at 11:30 a.m. ET. Key individual events include Frederick Richard and Paul Juda in all-around, while Stephen Nedoroscik competes on the pommel horse.

China, having scored 263.028 in qualifying, remains the favorite for their fourth Olympic team title. Japan, with a rich Olympic legacy, finished second with 260.594. Daiki Hashimoto of Japan will defend his all-around title. Russia is absent due to its conflict with Ukraine.

Women’s Basketball

Opening their journey for an eighth consecutive gold, the U.S. women’s basketball team confronts Japan at 9 p.m. CEST (3 p.m. EST) at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. The U.S. women carry a 55-game Olympic winning streak, last losing in 1992.

The team features standouts like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, with veteran Diana Taurasi returning for her sixth Games. Meanwhile, host France will play against Canada at 5:15 p.m. CEST (11:15 a.m. EST).

Shooting

The women’s 10-meter Air Rifle shooting final presents another gold opportunity for Team USA. Sagen Maddalena advanced to the finals with the fourth-best qualifying score.

Biking

In the men’s cross-country mountain biking event, U.S. athletes Riley Amos and Christopher Blevins strive for medals. This follows an American cyclist’s silver win in the women’s competition.

Tennis

All eyes are on Roland Garros for the clash between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in what will be their 60th meeting. Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, leads the historic tally over Nadal’s 22.

Other significant matches include appearances by Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff.