Photo credit, Reuters
Despite the 2024 Olympics concluding with the USA bagging 126 medals, 35 more than second-place China, the potential of additional medals was left on the table, notably in the Team USA Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay Final. China and the Team USA tied for gold medals with 40.
The team’s strong bond and shared determination to succeed were palpable, especially after the unfortunate mishap during the exchange between the first leg, Christian Coleman, and the second, Kenny Bednarek, which led to Team USA Men’s disqualification.
It appeared Kenneth Bednarek took off too fast, avoiding a smooth handoff from the oncoming Coleman, causing Bednarek to halt before receiving the baton. Still, the illegal baton exchange resulted in a disqualification.
Coleman did not have much to say after one reporter asked what happened. Coleman replied we didn’t get it done.
A day before, Team USA took first in its semifinal heat after avoiding a shaking baton exchange between Coleman and Fred Kerley.
The medal drought reached 20 years in the Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay following the disqualification.
In other 2024 Olympic news, 23-year-old gymnast Jordan Chiles, who was stripped of the bronze medal during the women’s artistic floor exercise final, awaits the appeal phase of Team USA’s next plan.
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