BEIJING – Jamaica confirmed their new-found status as the greatest sprinting nation in the world, smashing the world record to win gold in the Men’s 4 x 100m Relay at the National Stadium on Friday, August 22.
Their 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.
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 100m and 200m record holder Usain Bolt sailed around the final bend further extending the gap, before handing the baton to Powell who completed the seamless performance by the Jamaicans.
Beijing 2008 Men’s 100m silver medalist Richard Thompson anchored Trinidad & Tobago home to the silver medal in 38.06, with Japan taking the bronze in 38.15.
It was Bolt’s third gold medal and third world record of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
It was also Jamaica’s first Men’s 4 x 100m Relay gold in Olympic history, bringing Jamaica’s medal tally in Athletics to six gold, three silver and one bronze.
(L-R) Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Usain Bolt and Michael Frater
Photo by: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
