4 × 100 metres Relay, Men

As they always do, the United States men had the fastest sprinters, but over the last 30 years they had had multiple problems with baton passes or even getting the baton around cleanly. They had not won a medal in the event since silver in 2004 and their last gold medal was in 2000. Behind the Americans, Canada was expected to medal, having won the event at the 2024 World Athletics Relays and the 2022 World Championship. Japan was strong in the event, despite not having the fastest sprinters, but always with excellent baton work and exchanges.

All three favorites made it to the final. The USA was optimistic after a time of 37.47 in the heats, despite one poor exchange. The Americans expected to have Noah Lyles, the 100 metre gold medalist, run anchor, but he did not compete after contracting COVID-19 before the 200 metre final. It rained just before the race, and although it had stopped, the track was very wet. Christian Coleman gave the USA an early lead on the opening leg, but Kenny Bednarek left early, and Coleman could not catch him in time despite Bednarek slowing dramatically, and the exchange took place outside of the passing zone. The Americans would be disqualified after finishing seventh.

Canada had started slowly, with Aaron Brown running only 10.43, but Jerome Blake ran 8.98 on the backstretch to move them up to fourth, as Japan led, followed by Italy and France. Japan still led on the final exchange, but Canada’s Andre De Grasse, Olympic Champion at 200 metres in 2020, pulled ahead and would bring Canada the gold medal. Japan could not maintain its position, with South Africa taking silver, mostly due to Akani Simbine’s anchor leg, ahead of Great Britain with bronze.