USA won the last seven 400m relay finals at the U20 World Championships.
Germany did not expect to finish ahead of USA at the start of their 4x100m relay heat on Friday. In fact, they probably didn’t expect to finish ahead of them halfway through the race.
USA had built up a commanding lead in the race only to blow it at the very end. A botched final changeover resulted in a dropped baton. By the time they picked it back up, two lanes over, it was already done.
As it turned out, the dropped baton wouldn’t have mattered anyway as it was passed outside the designated zone.
In their absence, Germany crossed the line in a time of 43.80. China came in second in a national U20 record of 44.75, with Britain took third with 44.84. Ireland, who beat Jamaica in their heat, will be awaiting them in the final on Saturday.
Commentator Derval O’Rourke summed up the atmosphere well.
“What an absolute shocker from the Americans. I could see looking down at the changeover, the last runner just went too soon?”
“You see Davies going. Reed could not catch her, slowed right down and she could not just keep it in her hand. What an absolute disaster for the Americans!”
You have to feel for them.
