Back to last night, starting with a promo for a "conversation" on mental health with Michael Phelps (now available on Peacock!). We also get a behind--the-scenes video of Rowdy Gaines calling a swim event--it's like an aerobics routine.
After the second gym final, back to more track heats. I'm noticing a number of "Open" lanes. This sometimes means that someone was disqualified, or missed a drug test, etc. However, commentators normally note this in passing--which they aren't tonight. I hope this isn't COVID-related.
We've made it to the Men's 100m final. Now that we're in the post-Usain Bolt era, it's wide open. This is really hyped up, with the stadium darkened and a spotlight at the start. Over in the field, a touching moment on the high jump, as an Italian and Qatarian (?) reached a point where they agreed to share the gold.
Over to Kornacki on the big board, breaking down the medal count so far. Prime Time wrapped up with an interview between Tirico and Caeleb Dressel.
Late night--all volleyball, all the time. Yawn. By the next morning, it was announced that Biles will perform on the balance beam. I guess it's safer (except for the dismount).
This afternoon, Lowe kicks things off with more Equestrian. How important is the rider vs. the horse, who actually does the work? The older human competitor is 62, in his eighth games. Then it's synchronized--sorry--artistic swimming. Lots of waterproof makeup involved. Canoe sprint is a lot quicker than the normal regatta races--look down at your phone and it's over.
During more beach volleyball, NBC broke in with a report--US women's soccer is out of the race for gold. Commentators talked about the lack of "chemistry"--like it's a rom-com. Then an interview with Krysta Palmer, who won a bronze in diving. She didn't start training for diving until age 20 (she's 29), after competing in trampoline and gymnastics. Speaking of diving, we're back to men's springboard preliminaries. Speaking of gymnastics, here's the men's rings and vault final.
Onto prime time--ugh, beach volleyball! No amount of skimpy clothing will make this interesting. Then onto track heats, intro'd with a piece centered on Allyson Felix.
More to come.