Here are some of the athletes and teams in Monday’s spotlight. (All times Eastern.)
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL When the United States and Brazil met in the final at the Beijing Games, Brazil took home the gold. But the United States took over the No.1 ranking from Brazil late last year. The two heavyweights are in the same pool in London, offering an early tournament showdown. Coached by Hugh McCutcheon, who led the American men to a gold medal in Beijing, the American women are looking for their first gold in the sport. NBC, 11:30 a.m.
EQUESTRIAN The marquee day of equestrian competition is always the cross-country portion of the three-day event. Riders will tackle a tricky course, going up and down hills and clearing 28 whimsically designed but testing fences. Zara Phillips, the queen’s granddaughter, will compete in the same event in which her mother, Princess Anne, rode in 1976.NBCSN, 7:30 a.m.
GYMNASTICS The first gold medal will be awarded in gymnastics in the men’s team event, and the United States, which qualified in first place, has a great chance to win it. The Americans have only won the team gold once in Olympics history, and that was in the ed Games of 1984. NBC, 8 p.m.
