Gold and disappointment in Beijing

Jamaica confirmed its new-found status as the greatest sprinting nation in the world, smashing the world record to win gold in the Men’s 4 by 100-metre Relay on today’s penultimate day of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.



The victory was never in question, as anchor Asafa Powell crossed the finish line in 37.10 seconds, slicing three tenths of a second off the 15-year-old world record previously held by the United States.



It was also Jamaica’s first Men’s 4 by 100-metre relay gold in Olympic history, bringing the country’s medal tally in Athletics to six gold, three silver and one bronze.



It was also Usain Bolt’s third gold medal and third world record at the Olympics.



Nesta Carter led off the Jamaican quartet, passing to Michael Frater who stormed up the back straight.



With a significant lead already in their grasp, world 100 and 200 metre-record holder Bolt sailed around the final bend further extending the gap, before handing the baton to Powell.



Trinidad and Tobago took the silver medal in 38.06, with Japan taking the bronze in 38.15.



The triumph made up for the huge disappointment in the women’s sprint relay where the Jamaicans – defending champions and hot favourites – fumbled in the third leg change over and did not finish.



The Russian Federation won the gold medal in 42.31 seconds.