The United States women’s 4×400 relay team had their dreams of a gold medal dashed at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar when they were disqualified for a faulty baton exchange. The team, which included Allyson Felix, Wadeline Jonathas, Courtney Okolo, and Phyllis Francis, had been favored to win the event.
The disqualification came after the second exchange between Jonathas and Okolo. The two runners were unable to make a clean exchange, resulting in the disqualification. It was a heartbreaking moment for the team, as they had been so close to victory.
The rules of the 4×400 relay are very strict when it comes to baton exchanges. The athletes must pass the baton within a 20 meter zone and must keep it within their own lane. If either of these rules are broken, the team is disqualified.
The US team had been hoping to win their first gold medal in the 4×400 relay since 2005. They had been training hard and were confident that they could win the event. Unfortunately, their dreams were dashed due to the faulty baton exchange.
The disqualification was a major disappointment for the US team, but it also serves as a reminder of how important it is to follow the rules of the event. It is essential that athletes take extra care when it comes to baton exchanges, as even the slightest mistake can result in disqualification.
The US women’s 4×400 relay team will have to wait until next year to try and win their first gold medal in the event since 2005. In the meantime, they will have to take extra care to ensure that their baton exchanges are clean and within the rules.
