Day 12 of the Paris 2024 Olympics promises an exhilarating array of competitions across various sports. As we dive into the action, we’ll highlight the best two bets of the day and provide a comprehensive preview of the key events. With 21 gold medal events up for grabs, there is no shortage of excitement.
Read on for a comprehensive preview of key events on Wednesday, 7th August, and discover the best two tips of the day to enhance your viewing and betting experience.
Olympics 2024 betting tips: Analysis and predictions for Wednesday 7th August
[wptb id=419096]
Can British Athletes Turn the Tide in Paris?
Key Stats
Georgia Bell’s 1500m time of 3:56 is the second-fastest in British history.
Matthew Hudson-Smith set a new European record of 43.74 seconds in London.
At 51, Andy Macdonald is the oldest competitor in Olympic skateboarding history.
Medal Events on Wednesday, August 7
Today’s Highlight: Georgia Bell’s Golden Pursuit
One of the remarkable stories emerging from the athletics field is Georgia Bell’s unexpected rise. At the beginning of the year, she was relatively unknown, but her performance at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, where she finished fourth, has put her in the spotlight.
Taking a break from her full-time job to focus on qualifying for the Olympics, Bell has shown incredible improvement. Running 1:56 for the 800 metres, the third fastest globally this year, and 3:56 for the 1500 metres, the second-fastest in British history, she has exceeded expectations.
Analysing Bell’s Chances
Bell’s journey to the final was smooth, breezing through the initial rounds. Despite heavy competition from the favourite, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, who is vying for her third consecutive title, Bell stands a chance. Kipyegon has had to endure two rounds of the 5,000 metres, which might affect her performance in the 1500m final on August 10.
Spotlight on Matthew Hudson-Smith
British sprinter Matthew Hudson-Smith is another athlete to watch. Setting a British record of 44.07 seconds in May, a time that would have secured him silver in Tokyo 2020, Hudson-Smith is in excellent form. His recent achievements include breaking his own European record twice this season, first in Oslo with 44.07 and then in London with 43.74, making him the joint 12th fastest in history. Winning his semi-final comfortably in 44.07, Hudson-Smith is poised for success.
The Competition in the 400m
Hudson-Smith faces strong competitors like Kirani James, Quincy Hall, and Muzala Samukonga, all of whom have broken the 44-second barrier. However, his consistent performance and recent times make him the favourite for gold. His resilience in overcoming mental health challenges and injuries adds to his compelling narrative.
Other Key Events and British Hopes
On August 7, the Olympics feature 21 gold medal events across various sports:
- Athletics: Highlights include the men’s 400m final and the men’s discus throw final.
- Boxing: Finals for men’s 63.5kg and men’s 80kg, along with women’s 57kg semi-finals.
- Sailing: Medal races for mixed dinghy and mixed multihull classes.
- Skateboarding: The men’s park final, featuring 51-year-old Andy Macdonald, the oldest competitor in Olympic skateboarding history.
- Track Cycling: Both men’s and women’s team pursuit finals, where Great Britain aims to reclaim their dominance.
- Taekwondo: Medal rounds for men’s 58kg and women’s 49kg.
- Weightlifting: Finals for men’s 61kg and women’s 49kg.
- Wrestling: Various Greco-Roman and freestyle medal matches.
Team GB’s Medal Prospects
- Track Cycling: The men’s team, historically dominant, seeks a comeback after a disappointing performance in Tokyo. The women’s team, featuring world champions Elinor Barker, Josie Knight, Anna Morris, and Jessica Roberts, is also in contention for gold.
- Sailing: John Gimson and Anna Burnet, partners both on and off the water, compete in the Nacra 17 class, hoping to secure a medal.
- Skateboarding: Veteran Andy Macdonald aims to add an Olympic medal to his impressive X Games tally.
- Golf: Charley Hull and Georgia Hall start their campaign in the women’s stroke play round one.
Sailing: Micky Beckett in Men’s ILCA 7
The Marseille Marina will host the men’s ILCA 7 event, where Micky Beckett of Team GB will compete for gold against reigning champion Matt Wearn. Beckett has consistently posed a challenge to Wearn and is determined to secure a victory in this Olympic contest.
Star Athlete: Shericka Jackson
Shericka Jackson, the second-fastest female 200m runner in history, is set to light up the track. She achieved a remarkable double at the Jamaican Olympic Trials and set a Championship record of 21.41s at the World Championships. Her form and speed make her a key athlete to watch.
Best Brit: Sky Brown in Skateboarding
Sky Brown stands out among British athletes with her impressive skateboarding skills. At just 16, she has already secured an Olympic medal and continues to push the boundaries of her sport. Fans will also keep an eye on equestrian Ben Maher, who aims to defend his individual crown in Paris.
Women’s Sprint: Alfred vs Thomas
Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia is a formidable contender in the women’s 200m sprint, despite being the second favourite behind Gabrielle Thomas. Alfred, buoyed by her 100m victory, narrowly lost to Thomas at the London Diamond League. Her current form suggests she could challenge for the world record set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988.
Men’s 1500m: The Ultimate Contest
The men’s 1500m final features an exhilarating rivalry between Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain’s Josh Kerr. Both athletes comfortably qualified for the final, setting the stage for a dramatic race. Yared Nuguse of the USA also poses a threat if the leading pair falter. Nuguse looked strong in the semi-finals after a shaky start in the heats.
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase: An Open Competition
The women’s 3000m steeplechase is expected to be a closely contested event, with several athletes vying for the title. World Champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain is the favourite, but Olympic Champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda, who set the fastest time this season, is a strong contender. Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan, the 2022 World Champion, is also seeking to make a significant impact after missing the 2023 season due to a suspension.
Men’s Long Jump: Tentoglou’s Defence
Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou is favoured to retain his Olympic long jump title. He showcased his prowess by qualifying with an 8.32m jump, well beyond the required mark. Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer, consistently jumping over 8.30m, could provide a surprise challenge.
Women’s Hammer Throw: Rogers vs Price
Carmyn Rogers of Canada is the favourite in the women’s hammer throw, particularly with 2022 World Champion Brooke Andersen not qualifying. DeAnna Price of the USA remains a strong opponent, and the competition could see unexpected outcomes due to the pressures of an Olympic final.
Men’s Team Sprint: Australia’s Bid
In track cycling, the men’s team sprint sees the Dutch team, led by Harrie Lavreysen, as the favourites. However, Australia, narrowly missing out on the world title to the Dutch, are strong contenders. The Australian team aims to replicate their 2022 World Championships success.
Men’s Javelin: Intense Competition
The men’s javelin event features a highly competitive field, with defending champion Neeraj Chopra facing tough opponents like Jakub Valejck and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Former world champion Anderson Peters, returning from injury, also has a chance to make a significant impact.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Georgia Bell to Win Gold in the Women’s 1500m
[wptb id=419096]
Georgia Bell has rapidly become one of the most compelling athletes in this year’s Olympics, capturing the attention of many with her exceptional progress. At the beginning of the year, Bell was a relatively obscure figure in the athletics world. However, her stunning performances have firmly established her as a major contender in the 1500m event.
Her journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bell clocked a personal best of 3:56 in the 1500 metres, making her the second-fastest British woman in history over this distance. This remarkable time places her among the elite runners on the global stage, highlighting her potential to secure a medal, if not the top spot.
One of the most compelling aspects of Bell’s story is her seamless transition through the preliminary rounds. She has navigated the early stages of the competition with apparent ease, showcasing not only her speed but also her tactical acumen. This poise under pressure is a critical attribute in an event as strategically demanding as the 1500 metres.
Moreover, the main competitor in this event, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, who is the favourite for gold, may face significant challenges. Kipyegon, aiming for her third consecutive Olympic title, has already expended considerable energy running two rounds of the 5,000 metres. The physical toll of these races cannot be understated, and it might affect her performance in the 1500m final. Bell, on the other hand, appears fresher and more focused on her primary event, potentially giving her an advantage when they line up for the final.
The odds for Bell to clinch gold are set at 66/1, a reflection of the competitive field but also an indicator of the significant value she represents. For those less inclined to bet on an outright win, the odds of 15/2 for Bell to win any medal are equally enticing. Given her current form and the circumstances surrounding her competitors, Bell is a standout bet for those looking to capitalise on an underdog story poised for success.
Matthew Hudson-Smith to Triumph in the Men’s 400m Final
[wptb id=419097]
Matthew Hudson-Smith has positioned himself as one of the premier athletes to watch in the men’s 400m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in setting a new European record of 43.74 seconds in London last month. This feat not only underscores his exceptional speed but also his ability to perform under pressure, a crucial factor in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics.
Hudson-Smith’s journey to this point is characterised by resilience and determination. Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries and mental health struggles, he has shown remarkable fortitude. His ability to overcome these obstacles and return to peak performance is a testament to his mental and physical strength.
In addition to his personal record, Hudson-Smith’s consistency throughout the season has been noteworthy. He initially broke his European record in Oslo with a time of 44.07 seconds before lowering it further in London. These performances have placed him among the top contenders, making him a strong favourite for gold.
The competition in the men’s 400m is intense, with several athletes capable of delivering sub-44-second performances. Notable among them are Kirani James, Quincy Hall, and Muzala Samukonga. However, Hudson-Smith’s recent form and his ability to deliver when it matters most give him a significant edge.
Moreover, his semi-final performance in Paris, where he comfortably won with a time of 44.07 seconds, indicates that he is peaking at the right moment. This time is a clear demonstration of his capability to perform well under the pressures of Olympic competition.
The odds favour Hudson-Smith, reflecting his current form and historical performances. His journey from overcoming personal adversities to setting records has made him not only a favourite for gold but also an inspirational figure in British athletics.
Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.
For more betting tips and news, check out:
Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value as well as our Predictions.
