Team USA: Athlete’s to watch on Saturday’s Olympics events

The Tokyo Olympics will be in full swing Saturday, July 24 despite a global pandemic and a state of emergency in the Japanese city. While there will not be any spectators in the stands, the Games will go on as promised with millions across the globe tuning in.

Here are the American athletes to catch on July 24. You can find a full list of American athletes here.

USA Athletes to watch on Saturday, July 24

Allison Schmidt - 4x100 freestyle relay

Aside from being one of Michael Phelps’ best friends, Schmidt is a decorated Olympic swimmer making her fourth appearance at the Olympics. She may or may not swim in the opening heat of the event, but she’s going to be involved in the final. Schmidt was selected as a captain for the swim team at these Games, further highlighting her importance to the group.

Jay Litherland - 400m individual medley

Litherland won the silver medal in this event at the 2019 World Championships but did capture gold at the 2015 Summer Universiade in the same event. He’s not a household name, but Litherland is one to watch in this event.

Nick Lucena and Phil Dalhausser - men’s beach volleyball

The 41-year old Dalhausser will attempt to recapture the magic of the 2008 Beijing Games with a gold medal in Tokyo with the 41-year old Lucena as his partner. The former is a highly decorated beach volleyball player but is looking for one last hurrah. Lucena has been partners with Dalhausser since the 2016 Rio Games.

Haylie McCleney and Monica Abbott - softball

Abbott was a member of USA’s 2008 silver medal softball campaign, but the sport was suspended from the Olympics before finally making a return in this edition. That 2008 USA team was the lone group to not win gold in this event since it has been played at the Summer Games. Abbott is back as a pitcher while McCleney is a two-time world champion starting in the outfield. The Americans will want to reclaim the throne here.