BEIJING, Aug 13 (AFP): World shot-putt champion Reese Hoffa, two-time Olympic runner-up Adam Nelson and world indoor champion Christian Cantwell give Americans hope of a podium sweep Friday in the first Olympic athletics final.
Meanwhile Ethiopian runners could dominate the top placings in the day's other athletics medal event, the women's 10,000 metres.
"I think it's very realistic," Hoffa said of a US 1-2-3 in the shot-putt. "Adam is a wily old veteran so he probably won't have any problems. I'll be intrigued to see what Christian does. He could be the guy who wins the Olympics because he's so powerful.
"I give it a 50-50 chance. I wouldn't want to go too much higher than that."
US throwers have seven shot-putt podium sweeps in Olympic history but none since 1960 in Rome, the last time one country filled the podium.
Americans have won 17 of 26 Olympic golds in the event and 13 of the past 15 silvers.
Nelson, seeking a gold at the third time of asking after twice being a bridesmaid, owns the best distance in the world this year at 22.12 metres. He is a three-time world runner-up but did claim the world crown in 2005.
Hoffa won the US Olympic trials with an effort of 22.10, second in the world this year.
Cantwell, hungry to show his best after failing to qualify for the Olympics in Athens four years ago, has a season best of 21.76.
Given the depth and talent of the US trio, Nelson sees a podium sweep as a threat every time they all enter the ring in the same meet.
"That's probably a goal for every event that can produce the same depth as the shot putters do," Nelson said. "We have to come in ready to produce at our highest level. It's very difficult to reach two peaks in a seven-week period."
