US Stunned by Disqualification in Men’s 4×100 Relay, Canada Seizes Gold

The United States men’s team extended their 20-year Olympic drought in the 4×100 relay in Paris. The team was disqualified after a botched baton exchange, continuing a string of issues that have plagued them since 2004.

Despite entering the finals with the fastest time in the heats at 37.37 seconds, Team USA faltered during the crucial moment. Christian Coleman’s attempt to hand the baton to Kenneth Bednarek went awry, resulting in an out of zone penalty. This misstep sealed their fate, disqualifying them regardless of their performance across the finish line.

The out of zone penalty happens when a runner exits the handoff zone still holding the baton, a fundamental error in relay racing. The miscommunication between Coleman and Bednarek cemented another disappointing chapter for the American relay team.

In contrast, Andre De Grasse led Canada to victory, securing gold with a time of 37.50 seconds. This marked De Grasse’s first medal in Paris and his seventh overall. South Africa took silver, and Britain claimed bronze in an otherwise competitive race.

Further compounding the U.S. team’s disappointment was the absence of Noah Lyles, the 100 meters gold medalist, who had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19 following the 200-meter final.

The disqualification was a stark contrast to the success of Sha’Carri Richardson, who managed to secure gold for the U.S. in the women’s 4×100 final. Her victory, however, provided little solace for the men’s team, who now look towards ending their medal drought in future Olympics.