USA Relay Team Disqualified Again

The USA men’s 4x100m relay team faced harsh criticism from track legends Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis after their latest Olympic blunder, which resulted in disqualification and a missed opportunity for gold. Competing without 100m champion Noah Lyles, the team was heavily favored but faltered during the first handover when Christian Coleman collided with teammate Kenny Bednarek. This mishap allowed Canada to seize an unexpected gold medal, while South Africa and Great Britain secured silver and bronze, respectively. This disqualification marks the fifth consecutive Olympics where the USA has failed to medal in the men’s 4x100m relay. The team’s history of errors includes not qualifying for the final in Tokyo 2021, being disqualified in Rio 2016, and dropping the baton in Beijing 2008. Lewis, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the event, took to social media to express his frustration, calling for a complete overhaul of the USA Track & Field coaching system, emphasizing that winning should take precedence over personal relationships. Johnson echoed this sentiment, remarking on the ongoing failures of the team, stating, “It’s laughable at this point.” Coleman, reflecting on the race, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the inherent risks in relay racing. In contrast, the USA women’s team celebrated success, with Sha’Carri Richardson anchoring them to victory in the women’s 4x100m relay, earning her first Olympic gold alongside her teammates.