The United States men’s 4x100 relay team will not earn a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, as their appeal of their disqualification from the event has been rejected, according to the Associated Press. The relay team finished their run with a good enough time to win the bronze medal, but they were disqualified for an illegal pass of the baton between the first and second runner.
Team USA men’s 4x100m loses appeal, won’t get bronze medal
The bronze medal is staying with Canada.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Rodgers passed the baton to Justin Gatlin on the first exchange, but it happened outside of the 20-meter “exchange zone.” There were issues with the second pass as well, and because of this they were disqualified, giving Canada the bronze medal in the event. This is a recurring problem for the men’s team, and a disappointing end to their Rio run.
It’s worth noting that the US women also had baton issues in the prelims of their event, dropping it and finishing in last. But it turned out that Allyson Felix was bumped just before dropping the baton, and they were allowed to run it again. They went on to win gold in the final. The US men will go home without a medal.
Usain Bolt and Jamaica took gold medal in the event for the men.
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