U.S. Teams Up and Down At World Relays

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

The United States men's 4x200 and women's 4x100 pulled out victories in what was otherwise a disappointing showing for track and field's dominant nation at the IAAF World Relays.

The U.S. men won the 4x200 in 1:20.12 with a lineup of Christopher Belcher, Bryce Robinson, Vernon Norwood and Remontay McClain. 

The U.S. women edged rival Jamaica 43.27 to 43.29 to win the 4x100, salvaging some pride after a disqualification in the 4x200 relay and a loss to Poland in the 4x400. A young group of Mikiah Brisco, Ashley Henderson, Dezerea Bryant and Aleia Hobbs pulled out the victory.

France won the women's 4x200 relay in a world-leading time of 1:32.16 to beat China and Jamaica. The U.S. team was disqualified.

Brazil nosed out the U.S. men in the 4x100 relay, winning in 38.05. The American team was second in 38.07.

And Poland beat the United States women in the 4x400 relay, running 3:27.49 for the win. The U.S. finished second in 3:27.65, just ahead of Italy. 

The U.S. men were disqualified in the 4x400. Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Belgium took the top three spots. T&T got the win in 3:00.81.

After the two disappointments in the traditional 4x400s, the U.S. won the mixed gender 4x400 in 3:16.43. Canada was second and Keyna was third.

In the new 2x2x400, Ce'Aira Brown and Donavan Brazier teamed up to clock 3:36.92 running alternate 400-meter legs. They finished less than a second ahead of runner-up Australia. 

A mixed gender team of Christina Clemons, Freddie Crittenden, Sharika Nelvis and Devon Allen won the shuttle hurdles relay. Japan was the only other team with a finish time after Australia was DQ'd.