The Olympic track and field programme begins today and on the schedule is the first round of an event in which most pundits expect a Jamaican bonanza. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the 2008 and 2012 winner, 2016 champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and sprint newcomer Shericka Jackson are the fastest three women of the season with times of 10.63, 10.71 and 10.77 seconds respectively and understandably there is talk of a medal sweep. This prospect presents several intriguing possibilities.

A WIN FOR SHELLY: If the 34-year-old 4-time 100 metres world champion wins, she will become the first woman to step to the top of the podium three times.

A WIN FOR ELAINE: If the reigning champion wins, she will join Fraser-Pryce, and the American pair of Gail Devers, the 1992 and 1996 queen, and Wyomia Tyus, the winner in 1964 and 1968, as a repeat champion.

A WIN FOR SHERICKA: If the 2016 400 metres bronze medalist wins, she will become the third Jamaican to take the Olympic 100 metres after Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah.

IF THEY SWEEP: There have been sweeps a-plenty in the men’s 100 metres, but there were none in the women’s 100 metres until 2008 when Fraser-Pryce, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart made history with a unique 1-2-2 finish.

MEDAL HISTORY: Starting with Merlene Ottey’s third place in 1984, Jamaica has won 3 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals in the 100 metres for women.

Action on the first day of track and field begins at 7:45 pm (Jamaica time) on July 29 with the women’s 100-metres set for 9:40 pm. Discus throwers Fedrick Dacres, Traves Smikle and Chad Wright will seek to advance from the discus qualification round. 800 metres runner Natoya Goule and 400-metre hurdlers Jaheel Hyde, Shawn Rowe and Kemar Mowatt will face the starter.