SAINT-DENIS, France — The Olympic medal drought continues for the U.S. men’s 4×100 relay, which was disqualified after crossing the finish line in seventh place on Friday.
Canada finished first in 37.50 seconds, followed by South Africa in 37.57 seconds and Great Britain in 37.61 seconds to claim the bronze medal.
Torn by failed transfers at previous Olympics, Team USA allowed the problem to rear its ugly head again in Paris.
The team — Christian Coleman, Kenny Bednarek, Kyrie King and Fred Kerley — was hand-picked between Coleman and Bednarek. The exchange was delayed and Bednarek had to stop almost completely to accept the baton. By the time he got to it, the American team was out of position.
The team was later disqualified for running out of zone after Coleman passed the baton out of the handball zone.
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Also:Shakari Richardson and Gabby Thomas lead the U.S. women to gold in the 4×100 relay.
Regardless of the runners who make up the U.S. men’s team, it has struggled badly with the baton exchanges at the Olympics. They have not won a medal in the 4×100 relay since winning silver at the 2004 Athens Games. The team last won a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
American track star Noah Lyles, who won the 100m gold and contracted Covid-19 on Tuesday, missed the men’s relay final due to ill health. But with the consistency of other talented sprinters, Lyles won’t need a medal for the U.S. if the handsets are clean.
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