USATF appeal for disqualified men’s 4x100 denied
USA Track & Field’s appeal on behalf of the disqualified men’s 4x100 team has been denied, reports Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated.
The team initially seemed to have claimed the bronze medal in the final, finishing third behind Jamaica and Japan. However, minutes after the race ended, the squad of Mike Rodgers, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Trayvon Brommel were informed that they had been disqualified for an illegal baton exchange.
On the first exchange between Rodgers and Gatlin, both runners could be seen holding the baton before the exchange zone. It is less clear, however, if Gatlin had full control of the baton at this point.
According to Anna Legnani of the IAAF, all decisions in the race would stand.
Team USA has a history of mishaps at major meets. The team has been disqualified nine times at the Olympics and world championships since 1995.
