COMPETITION COMES CALLING : FAVORITES COME FROM ALL OVER.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

There will be 197 nations represented, 271 gold medals awarded and almost 11,000 athletes competing. Thank goodness NBC is there to keep everything straight.

But in case you don't put complete trust in the network, here's a sport-by-sport viewer's guide to the Games, abridged version:

ARCHERY

South Korea is the men's favorite, although the United States, with Simi Valley's Justin Huish, is a medal contender. Foreigners should dominate the individual competition, with 1992 gold medalist Sebastien Flute of France trying to become the first back-to-back winner.

Badminton

The second-largest participatory sport in the world behind soccer, badminton is the Indonesian national sport and is popular throughout Asia. Thanks to modern rackets, the shuttlecock sometimes travels 200 mph; this is not the game of your backyard.

The Indonesians and Chinese should dominate the five medal events. America's top entry is Kevin Han, who emigrated from China in 1989 and delivered Chinese food in New York City.

Baseball

A U.S.-Cuba gold medal showdown is one of the most anticipated matchups of the Olympics. The Americans swept four exhibition games from Cuba last year and feature pitcher Kris Benson, who was picked No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates last month. But can they do it when it counts? In Barcelona, Cuba registered a 6-1 semifinal victory.

The Cubans have lost several top players to defection - including New York Mets wunderkind Rey Ordonez - but the talent pool seems bottomless. Center fielder Victor Mesa and third baseman Omar Linares lead the way this year. Mark your calendar: The gold medal game is Aug. 2. Everyone else is playing for bronze.

Basketball

On the men's side, the only question is whether Dream Team III will eclipse the original version's astounding victory margin in Barcelona (43.8 points per game). Magic, Michael and Larry aren't around, but Penny Hardaway and Hakeem Olajuwon, who became an American citizen three years ago, are pretty fair replacements.

The most competitive games will be among Yugoslavia (Vlade Divac), Croatia (Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja) and Lithuania (Arvydas Sabonis, Sarunas Marciulionis).

The U.S. women's team - cleverly dubbed the ``Dream Girls'' - is 51-0 in tuneup matches. But Lisa Leslie, Teresa Edwards, Sheryl Swoopes and Co. may have trouble with the Chinese and Russians, especially after a one-point victory over Russia last month. China's 6-foot-9 ``Great Wall'' Zheng Hai Xai has four inches on Leslie, the tallest American.

For men and women, games are 40 minutes long with a 30-second shot clock.

Beach Volleyball

The Olympic debut for a sport surging in popularity, and Americans are favored to win gold on both sides. The men's team is a virtual who's who of all-time greats: Sinjin Smith and Karch Kiraly both from UCLA) and Kent Steffes.

The Bruins also claim as their own half of the No. 1 women's team, Holly McPeak. She has reunited with Nancy Reno after a 1995 split, and the only country capable of stopping their march to gold is Brazil.

Boxing

Cuba won seven of 12 golds in Barcelona and is poised for a repeat, to the delight of its No. 1 boxing fan, Fidel Castro.

It has the world's best amateur in heavyweight Felix Savon, unbeaten since 1986 and approaching Teofilo Stevenson in legend. Russian superheavyweight Alexei Lezin is a load. America's best is probably light heavyweight Antonio Tarver.

Canoe/Kayak

Nine countries split 16 golds in Barcelona, so this competition could be wide open. On the other hand, Germany won seven of those 16 and should be strong again with Oliver Fix and Birgit Schmidt.

American David Hearn won the 1995 single canoe world title; his sister, Cathy, is a contender in the kayak. The U.S. team has won just six medals in the last 11 Olympics.

Cycling

Much like basketball in 1992, cycling is open to the top professionals. That means five-time defending Tour de France champ Miguel Indurian of Spain is eligible, and guess who's favored to win the road cycling? American Lance Armstrong is a medal contender.

The story on the women's side could be American Rebecca Twigg, a medalist in '84 and '92 going for her first gold. Twigg and four-time world champ Connie Paraskevin-Young make the U.S. team more than respectable.

Diving

The U.S. has won 62 percent of the gold medals since diving became an Olympic sport in 1904. But the Chinese have dominated in recent years, winning three of four golds in Barcelona. American Mark Lenzi, who won the springboard in '92, has come out of retirement to defend his title.

The best women's diver is China's Fu Mingxia, who won the platform in '92 as a 13-year-old. She's back for more, in the platform and springboard.

Equestrian

Concerns about horses coping with the brutal heat prompted officials to reduce distances for cross-country events and move start times to 7 a.m. But there's a bigger problem: a tick-borne equine blood disease called piroplasmosis. It's been eradicated from the U.S., but foreign horses carrying the disease will be quarantined and may be required to pass a test before competing.

Assuming the favorites are eligible, watch for Germany to dominate. It has won six of the last eight team dressage competitions and features '92 winners Ludger Beerbaum jumping) and Nicole Uphoff-Becker dressage). America's best chance for gold is Bruce Davidson in the three-day event.

Fencing

One of eight sports in the first modern games in 1896, fencing remains a mystery to most American sports fans. That's why the masks have been changed this year to reveal the participants' faces and make the sport more personable.

The equipment change shouldn't alter the order of finish on the men's side, with Germany, Italy, Hungary and Russia vying for the team gold. The American women are ranked third in the world, and Leslie Marx, in the epee, has a medal chance.

Field Hockey

The U.S. men's team features six area residents, but it's not expected to compete for a medal. In fact, it needed the host nation's automatic berth to qualify.

The American women boast durable goalkeeper Patty Shea, who has had 13 operations on her right knee. To win it all, they'll have to slow Argentina's Karina Masotta, known as the Michael Jordan of field hockey. Or is Jordan the Masotta of basketball?

Gymnastics

The dynamos on the men's side are Belarus' Vitaly Scherbo, who won a record six golds in Barcelona, and China's Li Xiaoshuang. Four-time national champ John Roethlisberger is America's best.

But the men's competition often is overshadowed by the petite artistry of the girls. Looking for a Mary Lou Retton this year? She may be 14-year-old Dominique Moceanu, born in Hollywood to Romanian parents. An injury forced Moceanu to miss the Olympic Trials, but previous scores qualified her for Atlanta. She must be in top form to defeat Romania's Alexandra Marinescu and China's Mo Huilan. And don't overlook Shannon Miller, who's back after five medals in Barcelona.

Two words for the rhythmic gymnastics competition: Eastern Europe.

Handball

This sport is a hybrid of basketball, soccer and hockey - it was developed by the Scandinavians to keep soccer players in shape in the winter - so you'd think the U.S. would be competitive internationally. But the men have never won, and the shutout won't end this year. The U.S. women may sneak in for a bronze.

Judo

Japan, South Korea, China and France are the teams to beat. America's best chance for a medal may be lightweight James Pedro, the World Judo Masters champ, but the best story is Jason Morris.

Morris won a silver in Barcelona, but his father died of a heart attack on the day of the closing ceremonies. Instead of retiring, Morris has dedicated his '96 performance to his father.

Modern Pentathlon 

A format change: the events will be held on the same day, instead of being spread over four, to generate excitement. Russia's Dmitri Svatkovsky is the world champ, but can he survive 12 hours in the Atlanta heat? Can anyone?

Rowing

Germany and the Netherlands will be the toughest competition for the American boats. The U.S. women's eight won the 1995 world title and is favored again.

The best story of the event could be Canada's Silken Laumann. Two months before the '92 games, she broke her right ankle and suffered severe muscular damage in her right leg. She needed five operations and had to be lowered into her boat in Barcelona, but somehow won bronze. She's healthy this year, going for gold in the single sculls.

Shooting

The U.S. used to purchase its ammunition from European manufacturers, who gladly shipped second-rate stuff across the Atlantic. But in Barcelona the American team used its own bullets, and the result was two medals. China remains the dominant team in this event. Consider that in 1992, Chinese woman Zhang Shan beat 54 men to win the open skeet. Americans to watch: Lance Bade and Kim Rhode.

Soccer

Sites include Washington, D.C., Birmingham and Orlando. This competition is for 23-and-under players, but each team gets three wild-card selections. No surprise, the U.S. used one to grab Alexi Lalas. The Americans didn't get much of a break with scheduling, however, and must open against perennial power Argentina. Brazil is the favorite, even though it has never won a gold medal.

The American women - led by Kristine Lilly and featuring UCLA coach Joy Fawcett - have a chance for gold. They lost the World Cup title to Norway last year. A championship rematch would be Aug. 1.

Softball

Forget the Dream Team. The most dominating unit in the Olympics may be the U.S. softball team, which is 110-1 in the past decade. It avenged a loss to China earlier this year with an 8-0 victory.) The leader is Valley resident and former UCLA star Dot Richardson. Ex-Bruin Lisa Fernandez is in the pitching rotation, and a showdown with Australia-led Tanya Harding is possible, unless she had to take an exam to be eligible.

Swimming

Two foreigners will compete for headlines. Hungary's Krisztina Egerszegi is trying to repeat her amazing Barcelona triple: gold in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, plus the 400 individual medley. On the men's side, Russian Alexander Popov attempts to defend his '92 golds in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle. And, of course, there's always a chance Chinese swimmers will fail a drug test. (In 1994 alone, they botched 12.)

The days of American aquatic dominance are long gone, but the U.S. has several gold medal contenders, including: Janet Evans, now a USC coach; 14-year-old Amanda Beard; Gary Hall Jr., son of a three-time Olympic medalist; and Tripp Schwenk in the backstroke.

Synchronized Swimming

Thankfully, French officials barred their team from competing after they realized the routine was a re-enactment of Jews being deported to Concentration Camps (though the swimmers were attempting, rather poorly, to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust).

In the real world, the U.S. and Canada should continue previous Olympic success. (They have won every gold and silver since the sports' debut in '84.) The top American: Becky Dyroen-Lancer. Format change: the solo and duets events have been replaced by a team competition.

Table Tennis

The Chinese women's combo of Deng Yaping and Qiao Hong is one of the most dominant teams in any sport. In Barcelona, China won three of four gold medals. Look for a repeat.

Tennis

Unlike soccer, where many of the world's best don't compete, the tennis rosters are full of big names. (Davis Cup or Federation Cup experience is the criteria for Olympic eligibility.) That means Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi for the U.S. men, and Monica Seles (an American citizen) for the women. There will be no repeat champ in the women's singles, however: Jennifer Capriati won it in Barcelona.

Track and Field

With more than 2,000 athletes, it's impossible to cover all the significant competitors. But the story of the fortnight may be American Michael Johnson's pursuit of the unprecedented double gold in the 200 and 400 meters.

The men's 100 should be a fabulous race, with '92 gold medalist Linford Christie, reigning champ Donovan Bailey of Canada, American Dennis Mitchell and UCLA's Ato Boldon, who runs for Trinidad.

Ethiopia's Haile Gebreslassie is favored in the 5,000 and 10,000. Watch for Cuba's Javier Sotomayor in the high jump; he's the only man to clear 8 feet. UCLA's John Godina goes for gold in the shot put and discus. Timeless Sergei Bubka is back for another pole vault title. And don't forget Dan O'Brien - no Dave this year - who qualified in the decathlon.

The women's 100 has been billed as a duel between Van Nuys' Gail Devers and her teammate, Gwen Torrence. Mary Slaney is a sentimental favorite in the 5,000, but Africans should control the distance races.

In the 800, watch for Mozambique's Maria Mutola and Cuba's Ana Quirot, Castro's personal favorite who has recovered from a 1993 kitchen fire that caused third-degree burns. Jackie Joyner-Kersee goes for her third-straight heptathlon gold. The marathon favorite is Germany's Uta Pippig, who has won three straight in Boston.

Volleyball

Dominance on the beach doesn't mean success indoors, as neither of the U.S. teams is favored to win gold. The men, led by Pepperdine's Bob Ctvrtlik, have Brazil and Italy in their path. The women, who have never won gold, are counting on returnees Caren Kemner and Paula Weishoff. They competed in Barcelona, then bolted for six-figure salaries in Japan.

Water Polo

The U.S. has not won a gold medal since the 1904 St. Louis games, but it captured silver in '84 and '88. The roster oozes Californians - including coach Rich Corso, from Van Nuys - and has one of the world's best players in Chris Humbert. Italy is the team to beat.

Weightlifting

The Eastern Europeans usually dominate, but keep an eye on 412-pound Mark Henry, from Texas, the biggest Olympian. Pound for pound, the best weightlifter is Turkey's Naim Suleymanoglu, the ``Pocket Hercules'' who is seeking his third straight gold in the 141-pound class.

Wrestling

After winning three freestyle gold medals in Barcelona, the U.S. is expected to perform well. Super heavyweight Bruce Baumgartner seems to get better with age. Now 35, he's trying to become the first American wrestler to win three golds.

Yachting

One of the few sports the Americans are expected to dominate. They won nine medals in Barcelona, more than any other country, and have five golds in the last three Olympics. Sailing on home waters off Savannah, their top competition should come from New Zealand and Australia.

BETTING ON THE GOLD Team Comment

Men's basketball Not as good as the prototype.

Women's basketball Games will be more fun, competitive than the men.

Men's indoor volleyball Wants to prove it can win gold without Karch Kiraly.

Women's indoor volleyball Cuba, Brazil must be dealt with.

Synchronized swimming Americans ranked No. 1 in the world.

Baseball Gold goes through Cuba despite defections.

Softball Led by Dot Richardson, most dominant team in the Games.

Women's eight with coxswain Locals Amy Fuller, Catriona Fallon on board.

Men's eight with coxswain Not as good as the women.

Coxless women's pair Names to watch: Karen Kraft, Missy Schwen.

Women's soccer Inevitable showdown with Norway.

Men's 4x100 relay Will another world record fall?

Men's 4x400 See above.

Women's 4x100 relay The Gwen and Gail show.

Yachting U.S. has won five golds in last three Games.

Athlete Event (meters) Comment

Derrick Adkins 400 hurdles Can he hold an early lead?

Andre Agassi tennis Like him or not, he's a patriot. Just like McEnroe.

Lance Armstrong road cycling Dropped out of Tour de France with bronchitis, but will be ready for the Games.

Randy Barnes shot put World-record holder.

Kim Batten 400 hurdles Set world record in 1995, but tough American competition.

Bruce Baumgartner super heavyweight Gunning for fourth-straight wrestling gold.

Amanada Beard 100/200 breaststroke Orange County's latest aquatic prodigy.

Tonja Buford-Bailey 400 hurdles Lost '95 world title to Batten.

Mike Conley triple jump Won '92 gold, but Brit Jonathan Edwards is the man to beat.

Mark Crear 110 hurdles USC man; toughest competition may be teammate Allen Johnson.

Gail Devers 100 meters/100 hurdles This quadrennial's Flo-Jo?

Tom Dolan 400 freestyle/400 IM Asthma could make him a media darling.

Janet Evans 800 freestyle Three trips to the Olympics; four golds. 'Nuff said.

John Godina shot put/discus UCLA's own is world class in both events.

Carlette Guidry 200 meters Will be challenged by USC's Inger Miller.

Gary Hall Jr. 50 freestyle Great bloodlines, but must beat '92 star Alek Popov.

David Hearn canoe slalom World champion in 1995.

Justin Huish archery Local kid (Simi Valley) makes good. Gold not out of reach.

Allen Johnson 110 hurdles Beat the unbeatable Colin Jackson in '95.

Michael Johnson 200/400 meters Running for immortality: No one has ever accomplished this double.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee hept./long jump Looking for third straight gold in heptathlon; not as dominant in long jump.

Karch Kiraly/Kent Steffes volleyball Kiraly is best ever, but Brazilians will be tough.

Mark Lenzi springboard divingEnded 20-month retirement to defend '92 title.

Carl Lewis long jump Three-straight golds. Should be rested with no sprint work.

Mike Marsh 100 meters UCLA grad won 200 gold in '92. Man to beat is Brit Linford Christie.

Dennis Mitchell 100 meters No. 1 in the U.S., but could finish as low as fifth.

Dominique Moceanu gymnastics Olga, Nadia, Mary Lou. Dominique?

Marty Nothstein track cycling One of the best sprinters in U.S. history.

Dan O'Brien decathlon A lock for well-deserved gold. No Dave this time.

C. Paraskevin-Young track cycling Four-time world champ.

Mike Powell long jump One world record; no gold medals. Can he escape Lewis' shadow?.

N. Reno/H. McPeak beach volleyball Soap opera on the sand. How will it end?

Butch Reynolds 400 meters World-record holder has legal battles behind him.

Pete Sampras tennis He's won almost everything else. Showdown looming with buddy Agassi.

Tripp Schwenk backstroke Going for 100/200 double.

Monica Seles tennis New U.S. citizen. Not in Graf's class.

Antonio Tarver light heavyweight America's top amateur boxer, but Cubans are world's best.

Gwen Torrence 100 meters Showdown with Devers and bitter rival Merlene Ottey.

Rebecca Twigg track cycling Two medals, but looking for first gold.

CAPTION(S):

4 Photos, Chart

Photo: (1) UCLA alumnus Sinjin Smith was consider ed a major force in getting beach volleyball into the Olympics.

Markus Boesch / Allsport

(2) Professional road cyclists can compete in the Olympics for the first time. Five-time Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain of Spain, above, is the gold medal favorite.

Vandystat / Allsport

(3) American Dominique Moceanu is favored, but don't overlook veteran Shannon Miller (above).

Associated Press

(4) Shortstop Dot Richardson leads the powerhouse U.S. softball team.

Al Bello / Allsport

Chart: BETTING ON THE GOLD (see text)