Canada's relay bronze, U.S. DQ, causes stir on Twitter
Who could predict the 4x100-metre relay would bring so much drama? While the race started out like any other final — a little stressful and full of anticipation — things became a little more interesting as the batons made it to the anchor runners.
Those watching couldn't help but notice there was a bit of a struggle in the Americans' final exchange.
Between the questionable final exchange by the Americans plus the lack of replays... could USA be DQ'd? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing2015?src=hash">#Beijing2015</a>
—@CBCOlympicsAll I'm gonna say is... CHECK THE VIDEO TAPE!! There must be a violation somewhere. Maybe we can still get a medal! lol. Smh... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing2015?src=hash">#Beijing2015</a>
—@ansonhenryInitially (key word here), the race finished with Jamaica taking gold, the United States earning silver and China coming up with bronze. Canada's young team was close to the podium finishing in fourth.
And so, we waited for news. The question of disqualification was magnified for two reasons. The first being that the relay was another great chapter in the Bolt vs. Gatlin story line. First place in the relay would give Bolt his third gold medal at the worlds and his third defeat over the American and world's second fastest man.
Super bowl of track is coming Usain Bolt vs. Justin Gatlin can't wait
—@KingRedrickCommentator- do you think you can beat Gatlin? Bolt- without a doubt! 😎
—@Fabio_604British commentary about Bolts demeanour before races - "He is so laid back he is almost horizontal." Haha
—@HugheSteepleSecondly and most importantly, an American disqualification would change Canada's relay fate.
USA is gonna get DQ'd which means that Canada is gonna get 3rd!!!!
—@SegunMakindeWild! USA looks to be DQ'd CANADA looking at BRONZE 4x100m Men's Relay <a href="https://twitter.com/cbcsports">@cbcsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing2015?src=hash">#Beijing2015</a> Will confirm <a href="http://t.co/aDWCFsXMxe">pic.twitter.com/aDWCFsXMxe</a>
—@SportsWkndScottAfter waiting what felt like hours (but was actually only about 15 minutes), the violation was made official and the world found out the U.S. was in fact disqualified for a lane violation.
USA is DQ'ed. BRONZE for Canada 4x100m!!!
—@AthleticsCanadaUSA was doing victory lap for silver & didn't find out until after about DQ. This was the moment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcolympics?src=hash">#cbcolympics</a> <a href="http://t.co/yFKs9JVdg0">pic.twitter.com/yFKs9JVdg0</a>
—@perditafelicienThey so happy! Relay bronze for Canada, we're all so proud. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcolympics?src=hash">#cbcolympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijiing2015?src=hash">#Beijiing2015</a> <a href="http://t.co/u0UOdCKei1">pic.twitter.com/u0UOdCKei1</a>
—@perditafelicienWhat a twist of fate for the Canadian team after having faced a devastating disqualification just a month ago at the Pan Am Games.
Their bronze medal rounded out an amazing day for Canada at the worlds, earning the country's seventh medal in eight days.
Last month they got disqualified at the Pan Am Games but today, the Canadian team has won the bronze medal! <a href="http://t.co/lKB2GfgsGL">http://t.co/lKB2GfgsGL</a>
—@CanadianRunningSo with 1 day left of competition Canada has the most medals ever won at a world championship. 7 baby! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcolympics?src=hash">#cbcolympics</a> <a href="http://t.co/v8UAnxxBH3">pic.twitter.com/v8UAnxxBH3</a>
—@perditafelicienYou asked, we delivered. 4x100m with a little Rocky theme music. <a href="https://twitter.com/KingsleySC">@KingsleySC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/De6rasse">@De6rasse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BuckkyGotEm">@BuckkyGotEm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/justynwarner">@justynwarner</a> <a href="http://t.co/OUv0PNjHky">pic.twitter.com/OUv0PNjHky</a>
—@AthleticsCanada