Team USA will re-run the 4x100-meter relay on Thursday night after successfully protesting their original elimination after the baton was dropped on an exchange between the second and third legs. The United States successfully alleged that Allyson Felix was bumped during the hand off, causing Team USA’s elimination.
Allyson Felix’s quick thinking gave the US women’s 4x100 team the chance for a successful protest
Felix had the team finish the race after she was bumped during the second and third leg hand off.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Felix, running the second leg, was bumped by a Brazilian runner and stumbled headed into her baton hand off with English Gardner, running the third leg for Team USA. Felix essentially threw the baton ahead towards Gardner, who was already facing forwards, and Gardner wasn’t able to secure it as it hit the ground.
Brazil’s team was disqualified from the event completely as part of the obstruction. Meanwhile, Team USA’s protest has earned them the re-race, possibly in part due to Felix’s quick thinking. If something is protestable, you must finish the race in order to appeal.
The U.S. must finish with a time better than China’s 42.70 from the heats so the team can advance to the finals.
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