Paris Olympics day seven: Medal hunt to focus on water sports as first week wraps up - MASHAHER

The first week of the Paris Olympics is drawing to a close and it’s been a memorable one for Australian athletes, who’ll want to keep the momentum going and bring even more success for themselves and the country.

Australia is in fourth place on the medal table, following Thursday’s success of the women’s 4×200 freestyle relay team and the bronze medal from Jemima Montag in the 20km race walk.

Some events Aussie fans will want to keep an eye on this evening, among others, include the men’s windsurfing, the women’s BMX racing, the men’s basketball and, of course, swimming.

More to come from the water

Twelve of Australia’s 18 medals so far have come from water sports. That number is only expected to rise later on Friday when Grae Morris takes to the water at Marseille, having a place on the podium already secured thanks to his performance in the qualifiers.

Morris, who at 20 is the youngest athlete in the event, is set to become the first Australian to win a medal in men’s windsurfing since 1992.

Jess Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre will also be aiming for a medal when compete in the final of the women’s pairs in rowing.

In swimming, Kaylee McKeown is aiming for her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics and fifth overall as she races in the women’s 200m backstroke final, for which she holds the world record. Cameron McEvoy will be racing in the men’s 50m freestyle, and several other Australian swimmers will be competing in the heats.

BMX racing finals to come, athletics starts

Australia has high hopes for medals from other athletes as well. Saya Sakakibara completed the women’s BMX racing quarter-finals with the best times and is in excellent form ahead of the semis. Lauren Reynolds will also be riding, with Isaac Kennedy representing Australia in the men’s semis.

Saya Sakakibara (front) had the fastest time in the women’s BMX Racing quarter-finals in Paris. Source: Getty / JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP

Athletics competitors including Australian high jumpers Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers will enter the Stade de France hoping to make their mark on the Olympics.

The men’s decathlon is also due to start and Australian duo of Ashley Maloney and Daniel Golubovic will be aiming for a good finish in the 100m heats.

Boomers take on two-time MVP as Kookaburras aim to top group

If there’s one major Olympic event sitting at prime time (9.30pm AEST) for Australian viewers, that has to be the Boomers’ match against Greece.

With one win and one loss in their group, Brian Goorjian’s players will have nothing but victory on their mind as they go up against a winless Greece team that includes two-time NBA most-valuable player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A little earlier, the women’s 3×3 basketball team (The Gangurrus) will be wanting to build on Thursday’s win over the USA as they take on Azerbaijan and Spain. The results of these games could determine Australia’s fate in the competition.

The Kookaburras will face India in the men’s field hockey. If results go their way, they could finish top of their pool.

And in women’s water polo, Australia will take on Canada, hoping to maintain their unbeaten run, with a victory ensuring a place in the next round of the tournament.

Source Agencies