18 Aug 2016

NZ hoping for Fantastic Friday in Rio

7:36 pm on 18 August 2016

Rio 2016 Olympics - Without tempting fate, Friday could be New Zealand's greatest day of the Rio Olympics as Lisa Carrington goes for back-to-back golds.

New Zealand's Lisa Carrington in the womens K1 200m, Rio Olympics Games 2016, Rio de Janeiro.

New Zealand's Lisa Carrington competing earlier this week in the womens K1 200m. Photo: Photosport

Carrington is vying to become the first New Zealand woman to win two golds at an Olympic Games, and will race in the K1 500m final shortly before 1am.

She finished second in her semi-final and is by no means guaranteed the win.

On the water, three New Zealand teams could come away with medals.

The 470 women's and men's sailing medal races, having been postponed today due to light winds, will take place at 4.05am and 4.50am respectively.

In the former, Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie currently sit in second overall and are chasing at least silver (Great Britain are too far ahead to be caught in first place).

Alex Maloney and Molly Meech, who have perhaps sailed under the radar these Games, can win gold despite currently sitting in fourth in the women's 49er medal race at 6.20am.

Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech compete in the 49erFX in Rio

Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech compete in the 49erFX in Rio Photo: Sailing Energy

They are just one point behind the Spanish leaders.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke's gold medal will become official after their final race at 5.35am.

New Zealand shot putter Tom Walsh.

New Zealand shot putter Tom Walsh. Photo: Photosport

Shot-putter Tom Walsh has a fair shot at winning a medal - he and compatriot Jacko Gill will compete in the heats at 12.55am, and the potential final at 11.30am.

Nick Willis returns to the track for the semi-finals of the 1500m race at 11.45am, while in the evening at 11pm, Quentin Rew will take part in the 50km walk.

The men's triathlon will also take place at 2am. Two Kiwis will compete, Ryan Sissons and Tony Dodds, who are both hoping the choppy waters and steep bike climb will suit them.

Sitting in 11th after a solid first round, golfer Lydia Ko will be hoping to kick on when she returns to the course for her 12.14am tee-off time.

BMXer Trent Jones races in his quarter-final heats from 4.30am.