How the U.S. could potentially win the first gold medal of the Olympic games


The Opening Ceremony has already concluded, but Friday's live Olympics coverage isn't over for North American audiences just yet. Due to time differences between the U.S. and Japan, Olympics viewers stateside will be able to watch the first medal of the 2020 Olympics be awarded on Friday evening, in the 10m Air Rifle Women's final. Qualification begins at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the final will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET.
And yes, there are Americans. Mary Tucker, 20, is the favorite for the U.S. as the ranked No. 2 in the world. She'll have stiff competition, though, from Elavenil Valarivan, the world No. 1 who could become the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting. Hungary's Eszter Meszaros and Lin Ying-shin of Chinese Taipei are also challengers, as well as fellow American Alison Weisz, a member of the Army Marksmanship Unit.
While shooting isn't one of the major Olympic events, it is one of the oldest, having been in the Games since 1896. "Shooters will fire their rifles from 10 meters away in a standing position," explains YourObserver.com of the women's 10m air rifle competition. "The more shots that hit close to the target's bullseye, the more points the shooter receives. Shooters often use relaxation techniques to slow their heartbeat when shooting in order to stabilize their bodies as much as possible and gain accuracy."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
You can stream the final live here.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Tariffs were supposed to drive inflation. Why hasn’t that happened?
Talking Points Businesses' planning ahead helped. But uncertainty still looms.
-
How can you find a financial adviser you trust?
the explainer Four ways to detect professionals who will act in your best interest
-
8 gifts for the host that does the most
The Week Recommends Show your appreciation with a thoughtful present
-
MLB lifts ban on Pete Rose, other dead players
speed read 16 deceased players banned for gambling and other scandals can now be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame
-
Canada beats US in charged 4 Nations hockey final
Speed Read 'You can't take our country — and you can't take our game,' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted after the game
-
Eagles trounce Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX
speed read The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22
-
Indian teen is youngest world chess champion
Speed Read Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, unseated China's Ding Liren
-
Europe roiled by attacks on Israeli soccer fans
Speed Read Israeli fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in 'antisemitic attacks,' Dutch authorities said
-
New York wins WNBA title, nearly nabs World Series
Speed Read The Yankees with face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming Fall Classic
-
Caitlin Clark the No. 1 pick in bullish WNBA Draft
Speed Read As expected, she went to the Indiana Fever
-
South Carolina ends perfect season with NCAA title
Speed Read The women's basketball team won a victory over superstar Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes