All Eyes on Jones in Relay

Here, in capsule form, are the events that will be highlighted today in Athens:

Track and Field

There are three finals, all in men’s events: the long jump, 400-meter hurdles and 200-meter sprint.

One semifinal, however, commands attention: the women’s 400-meter relay. The names of Angela Williams, Marion Jones, Lauryn Williams and LaTasha Colander were submitted as the U.S. lineup, after much speculation over Jones’ status. She’s under investigation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for possible doping infractions, although she hasn’t been charged with anything. However, if she’s later found to have used banned substances, the entire relay team could lose whatever medal it might win.

Justin Gatlin will try for the sprint double today in the 200.

In the long jump, Dwight Phillips, the 2003 world indoor and outdoor champion, is the favorite after recording the five longest jumps in the world this season. Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic (via USC) is favored in the 400-meter hurdles but will be challenged by Bennie Brazell and James Carter of the U.S.

-- Helene Elliott

Water Polo

This will be a rematch of the women’s gold-medal game in 2000, but unfortunately for the United States and Australia, the teams will be playing tonight for a bronze medal.

Australia lost to Greece in the semifinals, and Italy defeated the U.S. on a goal with 2.8 seconds remaining.

-- Lisa Dillman

Modern Pentathlon

Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympics in 1896 and “modernized” the pentathlon for the 1912 Games in Stockholm. Whereas the original pentathlon of the ancient Games consisted of the discus, javelin, distance jumping, running and wrestling, the modern pentathlon consists of horseback riding, shooting, fencing, swimming and running. Men and women compete separately in one-day events.

The leading U.S. contender in today’s men’s competition is Vaho Iagorashvili, who is in his third Olympics for his third country. He won a bronze in 1988 for the Soviet Union, then competed for his native Georgia in 1996. Last year, he won the gold medal at the Pan American Games for the U.S.

-- Dave Morgan

Triathlon

It’s the men’s turn today. Hunter Kemper of Longwood, Fla., who placed 17th in his first Olympic triathlon in Sydney, is considered a medal hope. Kemper already survived a test, of sorts, when he was pursued by some stray dogs during a training session. He escaped unscathed. The defending champion is Simon Whitfield of Canada.

-- Lisa Dillman