Team USA's Baton Blunder Costs Gold in Men's 4x100-Meter Relay at Paris Olympics

Despite missing Noah Lyles due to COVID-19, Team USA had high hopes for the 4x100-meter relay. However, a botched handoff in the first leg dashed their chances of capturing gold, leading to a disappointing seventh-place finish and a subsequent disqualification.

In a shocking turn of events, Team USA's medal drought in the men's 4x100-meter relay extended to two decades after a costly handoff error led to their disqualification at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The American quartet of Christian Coleman, Kenneth Bednarek, Kyree King, and Fred Kerley crossed the finish line in seventh place but was later disqualified for an illegal handoff between Coleman and Bednarek outside the designated exchange zone.

Team USA's Baton Blunder Costs Gold in Men's 4x100-Meter Relay at Paris Olympics

This embarrassing setback sparked immediate outrage and criticism, with legendary track and field star Carl Lewis calling for a "total blow up" of the United States track and field system. Lewis accused USA Track & Field of prioritizing relationships over winning and demanded a top-down overhaul.

"This continues to be completely unacceptable," Lewis wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "It is clear that EVERYONE at [USA Track & Field] is more concerned with relationships than winning. No athlete should step on the track and run another relay until this program is changed from top to bottom."

Team USA's Baton Blunder Costs Gold in Men's 4x100-Meter Relay at Paris Olympics

Despite the absence of Noah Lyles due to COVID-19, Team USA possessed a strong lineup and were confident in their chances of medaling. However, the baton fumble shattered those hopes and left the American team dejected.

Coleman, the team's leadoff leg, admitted to being overwhelmed by the moment and took responsibility for the error. "In the heat of the moment, it just didn't happen," he said.

Team USA's Baton Blunder Costs Gold in Men's 4x100-Meter Relay at Paris Olympics

Bednarek, who dropped the baton, declined to comment on the specific cause of the mishap. Coleman refused to engage in blame-placing, stating, "As a team, as a unit, we didn't get it done today."

Fred Kerley, the reigning 100-meter world champion, expressed frustration with the line of questioning and snapped at reporters, "Y'all say the same s--- over and over."

Team USA's baton passing issues have plagued them in previous Olympics as well. In 2008, a similar mix-up caused them to lose a medal, and in 2012, they were stripped of their silver due to a doping violation.

Despite the disappointment in the 4x100-meter relay, Team USA did have a bright spot in the women's event. Sha'Carri Richardson anchored the 4x100-meter relay team to a gold medal, giving the United States its 12th Olympic title in the event.

Canada emerged victorious in the men's 4x100-meter relay, securing the gold medal with a time of 37.50 seconds. South Africa claimed silver, while Great Britain settled for bronze.

The failure to medal in the men's 4x100-meter relay is a significant setback for Team USA, which has traditionally dominated the event. It remains to be seen whether the team will be able to address its baton passing issues and regain its former glory in future Olympic Games.