• World Athletics Championships

British team crash out as Jamaicans storm to gold

ESPN staff
September 4, 2011
The Jamaican relay team set a new world record © Getty Images
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Usain Bolt anchored Jamaica to a new world record as they stormed to gold in the men's 4x100m relay as the British and American teams crashed out at the World Athletics Championships in South Korea.

The quartet of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and Bolt completed the lap in 37.04 seconds to better the mark they sat in winning gold at the Beijing Olympics three years ago.

Britain looked to be in contention for a medal as Marlon Devonish prepared to hand over to Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on the final changeover, but the baton failed to change hands as Devonish flung it at his team-mate in frustration.

It came after American third-leg runner Darvis Patton clipped the stationary Aikines-Aryeetey and took a tumble, failing to hand over to Walter Dix. That paved the way for France to claim silver and St Kitts and Nevis bronze.

"I felt someone hit me and then saw someone tumble over," Aikines-Aryeetey said. "As to why Marlon couldn't get the baton to me, I've no idea. I just want to say sorry it happened. Two years ago I anchored the team to bronze. I had visions of that again."

Meanwhile, the British women's 4x100m relay team of Tiffany Porter, Anyika Onuora, Laura Turner and Jeanette Kwakye failed to reach the final after finishing fifth in their heat. USA claimed gold ahead of Jamaica, with Ukraine claiming bronze.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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