On Friday, the U.S. women captured the gold meal in the 4×100 relay. Unfortunately, their counterparts were not as successful in the final of their race.
Heading into the men’s 4×100 relay final, Jamaica was understandably the favorite with a foursome led by Usain Bolt. However, the U.S. was fully expected to be on the medal podium and it looked like they would be immediately after the race ended, as Trayvon Bromell crossed the finish line in third place behind Jamaica and Japan.
A short time later, it was announced the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago were both disqualified. Canada was elevated to third place as a result.
Trinidad and Tobago and the United States have been Disqualified from the Men's 4×100 Relay.#Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/dcbTv0s4Bz
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 20, 2016
After review, it was determined the U.S. team passed the baton outside of the designated zone.
.@TeamUSA was Disqualified from the men's 4x100m Relay because of Rule 170.7#Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/zzQVsAcLbZ
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 20, 2016
For the U.S. men, problems with baton exchanges in the 4×100 relay have reared their ugly head before. During the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the team was disqualified after Tyson Gay did not receive the baton from Darvis Patton. An illegal exchange between Gay and Mike Rodgers led to disqualification more recently in the final at the 2015 World Championships.
