Statement from USA Track & Field on disqualification of men's 4x100m relay team

08-21-2009

Contact:
Jill Geer
Chief Public Affairs Officer
USA Track & Field
317-713-4663

The IAAF Jury of Appeals has upheld the disqualification of Team USA's men's 4x100m relay team. The team was disqualified for passing before the zone on the exchange between Shawn Crawford and Darvis Patton.

Below is a statement from USA Track & Field Chief of Sport Performance Benita Fitzgerald Mosley:

"Our men's 4x100 relay had great preparation for this meet, including practicing at relay camp and competing with this exact lineup at Cottbus, where they ran a world-leading time of 37.85. Everyone involved in the relay, including athletes, coaches and administrators, were mindful of doing everything in our power to ensure the relay succeeded. To be disqualified is something that is hard for all of us to accept, but at this point we can only use it as inspiration for our remaining three relays, and as a lesson for future championships. It does a disservice to the champions we crowned tonight, and to all our medalists here, to allow this to overshadow what has been a strong overall team performance in Berlin. We look forward to closing out the final two days with more great performances. "