IN a sporting landscape where men get most of the attention, the Olympic Games is where sportswomen get the chance to grab some of the limelight. London 2012 was a milestone for women’s sport and Rio 2016 is a chance to move it another step forward. Twenty-two of the 50 Scots in Team GB are women and here we pick some of the names to watch in the next 16 days. LAURA MUIR: Athletics Muir goes into the Olympics ranked second in the world at 1500m and is peaking at just the right time, having just broken Kelly Holmes’ longstanding British record for the distance. The Glasgow University veterinary student, 23, finished fifth in last year’s world championships but has improved in the past year. She will have the Kenyans and Ethiopians to beat but has every chance of grabbing a spot on the podium in her first Olympic appearance. 1500m final: Wednesday, August 17, 2.30am UK time. SALLY CONWAY: Judo Rio will be Conway’s second Olympic Games and the world number 10 is confident she can use her experience to better her result four years ago, when she lost in round two. The 29-year-old won bronze at Glasgow 2014 but has improved, recording an impressive win in the Korean Grand Prix late last year. -70kgs category: Wednesday, August 10, begins 2pm. KATHERINE GRAINGER: Rowing Grainger’s gold medal at London 2012 was one of the stories of the Games. After three consecutive silvers, she fulfilled her dream of becoming Olympic champion, with many expecting the Glaswegian to retire then. But after a two-year break, she was back and fighting for a spot in Team GB for Rio. Grainger, 40, and partner Vicky Thornley are not favourites for a gold medal but the Scot will want a podium spot. Double sculls final: Thursday, August 11, 2:04pm. FIONA PENNIE: Canoe Slalom Pennie, 33, suffered heartbreak when she missed selection for London 2012 but showed resilience by bouncing back to become European champion the next year. Rio will be the triple world silver medallist’s second Olympic Games after Beijing in 2008. K1 final: Thursday, August 11, 7pm. EILIDH DOYLE: Athletics At 29, Doyle, a double Commonwealth silver medallist and former European champion, is in the shape of her life. She has proven herself a championship performer, coping admirably with being the face of Glasgow 2014. Ranked sixth in the world, another new personal best will likely be needed for a medal. She will have a second chance in the 4x400m relay. 400m hurdles final: Friday, August 19, 2:15am. 4x400m relay final: Sunday, August 21, 2am.
HANNAH MILEY: Swimming Miley is a stalwart of Team GB with Rio her third Olympics yet she is still only 26. The Garioch swimmer has won a medal at every major championship barring the Olympics and will be desperate to complete the set. The two-time Commonwealth champion is ranked second in the world. 400m individual medley final: Sunday, August 7, 2:49am.
HEATHER STANNING: Rowing Gold medals are never guaranteed at an Olympics but no one is a heavier favourite than Stanning. With partner Helen Glover they aim to defend the title they won at London 2012 and are odds-on to do it. Unbeaten in five years, it would be a monumental upset if Stanning doesn’t return home with gold. Coxless pairs final: Friday, August 12, 2:24pm.
KATIE ARCHIBALD: Cycling Rio is Archibald’s first Olympics but as part of the women’s pursuit team, the 22-year-old is a former world and six-time European champion. GB lost their world title last year and Archibald’s Rio build-up was hit by a knee injury but she has every chance of adding an Olympic medal to her collection. Women’s team pursuit final: Saturday, August 13, 9:14pm.
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