All Eyes On Bolt

Day 8 is capped off by the men’s 200 meters, featuring the greatest showman in track and field.

The undercard events are not to be missed, either. Can Blanka Vlasic break out some dance moves in the women’s high jump? Can the Americans beat the Russians in the women’s 4x400 relay? Will the women’s hurdles hold true to form or will there be an upset? Can anyone throw in the same zip code as Andreas Thorkildsen? Will wunderkind Matt Centrowitz continue to do things in the 1500 meters that he isn’t supposed to be able to do?

Schedule, start lists and results
LIVE results and live blog

How to watch

7:00 PM tonight
Live webcasts at UniversalSports.com and CBC.ca/sports/olympics

10:00 PM tonight
TV coverage on Universal Sports

11:35 PM tonight local time
TV coverage on CBC

5:30 AM tomorrow
IAAF Radio (free)

5:45 AM tomorrow
Live webcasts at UniversalSports.com and CBC.ca/sports/olympics

2:00 PM tomorrow
TV coverage on NBC

3:00 PM tomorrow
TV coverage on CBC

Event by event (all times Eastern)...

Morning Session

7:00 PM – Men’s 50km Racewalk
The Russians are the dominant force in this event, but the Chinese and Australians are very good too. Also watch for the bespectacled Yohan Diniz (France).

Evening Session

6:00 AM – Women’s High Jump final
Crowd favorite Blanka Vlasic (Croatia) is reportedly suffering some leg problems, but who knows how it will affect her. Anna Chicherova (Russia), who is long on experience and the 2011 world leader, has assumed the role of favorite. European indoor champion Antonietta Di Martino (Italy) has jumped little this summer but looks ready to go. American hopes rest on Brigetta Barrett, who is a long shot to medal.

6:10 AM – Men’s Javelin Throw Final
Andreas Thorkildsen (Norway) is a heavy, heavy favorite. He hasn’t been beaten since May and has the three best throws of the year. If he is to have a challenge, it may come from Matthias de Zordo (Germany) or Sergey Makarov (Russia).

6:15 AM – Women’s 100 Meters Hurdles semifinal
The top two in each heat plus the next two fastest will qualify to the final.
Heat 1 – America’s Kellie Wells looks solid to qualify. Vonette Dixon (Jamaica) and Phylicia George (Canada) are the next best.
Heat 2 – Sally Pearson (Australia) blazed through the summer season and is the gold medal favorite. Dawn Harper (USA) should get through as well; Perdita Felicien (Canada) might qualify too.
Heat 3 – Danielle Carruthers (USA) and Tiffany (Ofili) Porter (Great Britain) are considered the strongest hurdlers in this heat. Nikkita Holder (Canada) runs in lane 4.

6:45 AM – Women’s 800 Meters T54 (wheelchair) exhibition

6:55 AM – Men’s 400 Meters T53 (wheelchair) exhibition

7:15 AM – Men’s 1500 Meters final
Silas Kiplagat (Kenya) is a strong favorite, especially now that Amine Laalou did not qualify to the final. But championship 1500 meter races are unlike most others, and upsets happen all the time. Asbel Kiprop (Kenya) possesses the closing speed to win. Nick Willis (New Zealand) is a superior tactical runner, but had a rough time of it in the semifinals. Collegians Matt Centrowitz (Florida State/Ireland) and Matt Centrowitz (Oregon/USA) might even have an impact. And of course there’s always a chance of a fistfight with Mehdi Baala in the race.

7:40 AM – Women’s 4x400 Relay final
The Russians’ fast preliminary time (3:20.94) make them the favorites. The USA has the talent to win, but that talent has been tiring itself out winning medals, and the most formidable weapon, Allyson Felix, is exhausted. The Jamaicans pose a threat as well.

8:00 AM – Women’s 100m Hurdles final
Finalists are yet to be determined.

8:20 AM – Men’s 200 meters final
It’s the Usain Bolt show! The real race is for second, and it will come down to Walter Dix (USA), Nickel Ashmeade (Jamaica), and Christophe Lemaitre (France).