It’s hard to believe we’re only going into the third day of competition in Tokyo given how much action we’ve already witnessed at the Games. Of course, there have been highlights as well as letdowns, but that’s part of the thrill. Imagine... putting in years of training for minutes, even seconds of competition. One misstep or bad day can dash dreams of getting to the medal stand. One outstanding performance can land you gold. That’s why we watch.
Tonight, two of Team USA’s strongest swimmers will compete for Olympic glory in Tokyo. You’ll be able to watch Caeleb Dressel (4x100m freestyle relay) and Katie Ledecky (400m freestyle) compete LIVE on KPRC this evening. Ledecky is a five-time Olympic gold medalist, and it’s possible she could tie or break the all-time record for Olympic gold medals won by a U.S. woman. The record is eight.
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If this evening’s competition is anything like last night’s swimming on KPRC 2 in primetime, it will be must-see TV! Team USA swimmers secured six medals, helping the United States climb the medal count leaderboard. (As of this writing, the U.S. had 10 total medals only trailing China’s total by one.)
Sugar Land’s Simone Manuel was added late yesterday to the 4x100 free relay team which won a bronze. Manuel and the team just narrowly missed out on silver. Still, if you’re keeping score, that means Manuel has FIVE total medals to her name. (She won two golds and two silvers in 2016.) Manuel will next compete on Friday in the event that landed her a spot in Tokyo, the 50-meter freestyle.
Something is in the water at the Games, because another highlight this weekend took place in the pool when the Olympic record in the women’s 100m backstroke was broken by three swimmers in back-to-back heats!
Women’s gymnastics events took place early this morning Houston-time, and if you’re eagerly waiting to watch in primetime tonight and managed to avoid all the headlines throughout the day about Simone Biles & Jordan Chiles, we won’t give it away here.
However, if you DO want to know how the events unfolded before you watch tonight OR you already know and just want a recap, you can find that HERE.
Among the weekend’s low lights... Team USA men’s basketball came up short against France in their first game, ending the squad’s 25 game Olympic win streak. Ouch. (For a recap of that game, you can click the image below.) The team next faces Iran on Tuesday.
Team USA softball has been off to a much stronger start securing wins under the pitching skills of Cat Osterman & Monica Abbott - who both have Houston connections. The softball team competes again tonight against Japan. The gold medal game will be Tuesday morning.
Of course, there’s a lot more competition in a lot of different events before then, and Team USA is bound to add some more great moments to our Olympic highlight reel!
Here’s a look ahead to events airing on KPRC on Monday
*Programming schedule is subject to change.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Swimming – Qualifying Heats
Women’s Beach Volleyball – Claes/Sponcil (U.S.) vs. Graudina/Kravcenoka (Latvia)
Women’s Water Polo – U.S. vs. China
Women’s 3x3 Basketball – U.S. vs. China
Skateboarding – Women’s Street Final
Canoe Slalom – Men’s Final
7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Swimming – Finals (LIVE)
Men’s 200m Freestyle
Women’s 100m Backstroke
Men’s 100m Backstroke
Women’s 100m Breaststroke
Gymnastics – Men’s Team Final
Diving – Men’s Synchronized Platform Final
Triathlon – Women’s Final