Olympic Athletics and Men's Semi-Finals Odds

It's hard to imagine the action on days 12 and 13 (Thursday and Friday) of the 2008 Olympics could beat Usain Bolt's world record-breaking performance in the 200m sprint Wednesday, backing up from his previous world record in the 100m. Nevertheless, there is still some exciting athletics action remaining.

Athletics odds
The men's 4 x 100m relay final takes place on Friday night at Beijing Bird's Nest stadium. Jamaica, with Bolt and former world record-holder Asafa Powell in its corner, are firm 4/7 favorites at Ladbrokes. The USA is 11/4, and Trinidad and Tobago 12/1.

With all three medalists from the women's 100m sprint - gold medal winner Shelly-Anne Fraser, and silver medalists (in a dead heat) Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart - in its corner, nobody is likely to come close to Jamaica in the women's 1 x 100m final. The island nation is 1/4 for the gold, followed by the USA, 11/1.

Basketball odds
It's men's semi-final day in a number of team sports, including basketball. The USA's "Redeem Team" is getting stronger with every match. Argentina, 10/1, is not expected to trouble Kobe, LeBron and the rest of the American team, an odds-on 1/100 to progress to the gold medal playoff.

In the other semi-final, Spain is a 3/10 favorite to knock out Lithuania, 12/5.

Handball odds
2004 men's handball gold medalists Croatia can move to within one win of a repeat performance at Beijing, if they beat France in Friday's semi-final. France is actually the favorite for the tournament, at 11/10, while Croatia is listed at odds of 16/5. Spain (5/2 to win gold) takes on Iceland, 4/1, in the other semi.

Volleyball odds
Brazil is a 4/5 favorite to win its second consecutive men's volleyball gold medal, and third overall, going into its semi-final with Italy, 11/2. Russia is 11/4 to win the tournament, but it will need to get past dark horse the USA, 7/2, before it gets a chance at the gold medal.