From the first Olympic races of two rowing teams full of Philadelphia-area Olympians to both USA powerhouse basketball teams in action to the U.S. Women's Field Hockey Team looking to build on an opening win to a history-making Olympian, here's what to watch on Day 3 of competition at the Rio Olympics.
Powerful U.S. Women's Eight Begins Row Toward 3rd-Straight Gold
The American Women's Eight -- which trains in Princeton, New Jersey -- took its first step toward defending its gold when it won its opening heat of the Rio Games Monday morning. The U.S. Women's Eight finished the race in 6 minutes, 6.34 seconds -- more than eight seconds ahead of second-place Netherlands. [[389473822, C]]
The American Men's Eight hopes to return to the podium in Rio after disappointment in London but they are going to need to row again before the finals. New Jersey's Sam Ojserikis coxswained the boat with Philadelphia's Glenn Ochal and South Jersey's Steve Kasprzyk on board to a second-place finish in their heat with a time of 5:40.16 -- less than two seconds off first-place Germany.
The American men now must row in Wednesday morning's repechage for a chance to advance to the final.
Muslim Fencer From New Jersey Makes History, Wins 1 Match
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Ibtihaj Muhammad, the middle daughter of a retired detective and special education teacher, made history Monday when she became the first U.S. athlete to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab, the head scarf worn by some Muslim women.
She made the most of her opportunity, defeating Ukraine's Olena Kravatska 15-13. Her run ended late Monday morning when she lost 12-15 to France's Cecilia Berder.
The Maplewood, New Jersey native, ranked seventh in the world in the women’s saber, began fencing after her mother saw fencers practicing and suggested she try the sport because of its modest uniforms. [[389490321, C]]
“I feel like I’ve been blessed to be in this position, to be given this platform,” said Muhammad. “When I think of my predecessors, and people who’ve spoken out against bigotry and hate, I feel like I owe it not just to myself but to my community to try and fight it.”
Muhammad is joined by fellow New Jersey native Dagmara Wozniak on the U.S. Saber Team. Wozniak lost her opening match against Greece's Vassiliki Vougiouka, 8-15. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mariel Zagunis fell in the second round as well, ending any American medal hopes in the event.
Michael Phelps Swims for More Gold
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with a record 23 medals, advanced to the finals in the 200m butterfly.[[385721741, C]]
While a number of incidents plagued Phelps following the 2012 London Games, the Olympian says he’s more focused than ever and determined to leave the sport on his own terms. [[389419281, C]]
"I haven’t trained like this in a decade,” Phelps told Matt Lauer in an earlier TODAY interview. “I want to retire how I want to retire and I have a great opportunity to do that.”
USA Men's, Women's Basketball Win Big Again
U.S. Men's Basketball took off after a sluggish first quarter to easily defeat a Venezuelan men’s squad making its first Olympic appearance since 1992. [[389419501, C]]
The men won 113-69 as Philadelphia's Kyle Lowry chipped in with five points, five rebounds and five assists.
Delaware's Elena Delle Donne and the USA women had no trouble with Spain Monday as they won 103-63. Delle Donne had 12 points and four rebounds for Team USA.
The win came just a day after they scored an Olympic record 121 points in a win over Senegal Sunday.
Both U.S. basketball teams remain undefeated in pool play.
Philly-Area Field Hockey Keep Up Winning Ways
The U.S. women’s field hockey team -- full of Pennsylvania and South Jersey natives like Montgomery County's Katie Bam -- finished last at the London Olympics, winning just one of its six games. Following the 2012 Games, the team brought in a new coach, Craig Parnham, and overhauled its system in the hopes of Olympic success in Rio. [[389419561, C]]
The team enters the Olympics with its highest world ranking ever at fifth and a legitimate shot at a medal, something the U.S. hasn’t accomplished in the sport since 1984.
Coming off an opening 2-1 upset win over Argentina, the women took down Australia in round-robin play. Cherry Hill, New Jersey's Michelle Vittese's goal put America up 1-0 at the half. They would go on to win 2-1.
