2012 Olympics: 5 Can't-Miss Events for Aug. 3

Another packed day — Phelps' farewell, the all-out sprint of the 50m, the start of track and field, and much more. Here's the Fab Five for Aug. 3, which will highlight NBC's prime-time schedule starting at 8 pm Eastern:

1. Men's 100m Butterfly
One final curtain call for the great Michael Phelps in what will likely be the last individual event of his spectacular career. He's the two-time defending Olympic champion in this event and a virtual certainty to add a 21st medal to his personal collection. Later in the day, Phelps' career will officially come to a close (barring a 2016 change of heart) in the 4x100 medley.

2. Women's 200m Backstroke
American darling Missy Franklin will look to add to her medal total in her signature stroke, although countrywoman Elizabeth Beisel will have a say as well.

3. Men's 50m Freestyle
Swimming's version of the 100m dash, an all-out sprint to the finish that turns the pool into a churning cauldron of whitecaps. Americans Cullen Jones and Anthony Irvin are among the medal contenders.

4. Women's 100m Qualifying
For many, the Olympics start today with the advent of the track and field portion of the schedule. The women's 100m qualifying is an early highlight, as Americans Carmelita Jeter (the reigning world champion) and Allyson Felix (who was involved in the controversial dead heat at Olympic trials) take center stage.

5. Medals in Men's Shot Put and Women's 10,000m
Two track and field events will be awarding medals today: the men's shot put and women's 10,000m. American Reese Hoffa is the top U.S. qualifier in the shot, while Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba will look to maintain her country's tradition of dominance in the 10,000.

See more 2012 Olympics coverage.
 

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