4 x 400 metres Relay, Men

The US was the favorite, led by Michael Johnson, who had won the 400 in both 1996 and 2000. But he was almost not needed in the final. Alvin Harrison led off with 44.36, giving the US a three-metre lead. Antonio Pettigrew and Calvin Harrison, Alvin’s twin brother, ran the fastest second and third legs and Johnson had a 20-metre lead when he received the baton. He ran a controlled anchor as the US defeated Nigeria by 25 metres. In the heats and semi-finals Jerome Young had led off for the United States. It was revealed in 2003 that Young had tested positive for steroids in 1999, but had been cleared to compete in the Olympics by USA Track & Field, though this was not known at the time. In 2004, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the US decision was incorrect and Young should not have been allowed to run in the 2000 Olympics. He was asked to return his gold medal, won as being a team member in the rounds. Consideration was given to disqualify the entire US 4x400 relay team, but eventually the CAS decided that the US victory would stand. Then in August 2008, the IOC disqualified the team when Antonio Pettigrew admitted to using drugs in 2000 as well.