A highly anticipated swimming competition will be the highlight of the Paris Olympics on Sunday, while gymnastics legend Simone Biles will make her first appearance at the Games.
After an exciting but weather-affected first full day of sporting events on Saturday, day two of the Olympics will feature 13 gold medals up for grabs in sports like archery and skateboarding.
All eyes will be on the battle for gold in the swimming pool at La Defense Arena, where Britain’s Adam Peaty will face off against China’s world champion Qin Haiyang in the 100m breaststroke.
Peaty, the world record-holder, is aiming to win his third consecutive gold medal in the same event, going up against Qin in a highly anticipated duel.
The competition is surrounded by controversy as Qin was among the Chinese swimmers who reportedly tested positive for a banned substance in late 2020 to early 2021.
If Qin wins on Sunday, it could reignite the doping controversy that has been a shadow over swimming leading up to the Olympics.
In addition to the swimming events, France’s Leon Marchand will compete for glory in the men’s 400m individual medley, and the women’s 100m butterfly title will also be contested.
– Biles returns to Olympic competition –
Elsewhere on Sunday, American gymnast Biles will make her return to Olympic competition in the qualifying rounds.
After withdrawing from multiple events in Tokyo due to mental health struggles, Biles still managed to win a silver and bronze medal. She has since made a triumphant comeback and won multiple world titles.
Biles has been kept away from the media spotlight in Paris to alleviate the pressure on her, and she is expected to speak after completing her events.
In other action, the United States men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry, will begin their quest for a fifth straight gold medal against Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic.
– Nadal’s tennis participation uncertain –
In tennis, Rafael Nadal’s participation in the singles at Roland Garros is uncertain due to a thigh injury. He won his men’s doubles opener but has expressed uncertainty about playing in the singles match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
The weather in Paris has improved, with blue skies and sunshine forecasted for the week. However, the first triathlon training session in the River Seine was cancelled due to poor water quality.
Beach volleyball, taking place near the Eiffel Tower, will feature convicted rapist Steven van de Velde playing for the Netherlands, causing controversy leading up to the Games.
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