Rio 2016: 5 things to watch Sunday at the Olympics

Here are five things to know about Sunday at the Rio Olympics. Click here to find out when and where to watch the best of Sunday’s action.

1. Gymnastics, women’s qualifying

The American women start on the floor exercise, where Simone Biles and Aly Raisman have some of the toughest routines in the world. Though Biles’ is more difficult, she’ll go before Raisman – the reigning Olympic medalist on the event – to try to save her legs a bit for the two difficult vaults on the next event.

After vault, the women move to uneven bars where defending Olympic all-around champion Gabby Douglas and defending world champion Madison Kocian will anchor the line-up. On balance beam, first-year senior Laurie Hernandez will have a chance to shine as she competes with the Americans’ three all-arounders – Biles, Douglas and Raisman.

2. Swimming: Ledecky, Phelps hit the pool

Katie Ledecky’s name is synonymous with world records, particularly as she enters the distance portion of her program this week. She owns the world record in both the 400 and 800 freestyles, and she’ll get her first crack at lowering one of those Sunday night in the 400. Ledecky will all but assuredly earn her second medal of these Olympics, and likely her first of the gold variety. Expect fellow American Leah Smith to join her on the podium, too.

Also Sunday, Michael Phelps is expected to swim in his first race in Rio, the men’s 4×100 free relay.

3. Fencing, Individual foil

American Alexander Massialas is ranked No. 1 in the world men’s foil, and teammateGerek Meinhardt is fourth. No American man ever has won gold in men’s individual foil.

4. Women’s rugby quarterfinals

As rugby sevens makes its Olympic debut, the Americans seek to make history in Rio. They have a 1-1 record as they enter their final group game against Australia.

5. Women’s basketball

The Americans, who have won every Olympic gold since 1996, open tournament play vs. Senegal. It’s the first time we’ll see Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart and Elena Delle Donne together in the Olympics.

5.5: Best of the rest

Serena Williams takes to the tennis court in doubles and singles play and Brazil’s men’s soccer team continues its quest for Olympic gold.

Source: usatoday.com