Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes subtle dig at USA's 4X100m relay team after Canada wins gold at Paris Olympics

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Aug 10, 2024 05:37 GMT

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a dig at the USA's 4x100m relay team after they were disqualified from the finals of the Paris Olympics 2024 and Canada clinched the gold medal. Trudeau took to social media to respond to a video in which American athletes were seen mocking the Canadian relay team.

With an extremely competitive line-up, the men's 4x100m relay was one of the most anticipated events at the Paris Olympics. Some of the top contenders for the Olympic crown were Team USA, Canada, and Great Britain. Team Canada clinched the gold medal with a time of 37.50s, while South Africa won the silver with 37.57. Great Britain took home the bronze after clocking 37.61s.

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, took to X to exude pride in his country's win and take a subtle dig at Team USA, who were disqualified for passing the baton outside the takeover zone.

At the World Athletics Championships 2023, USA athlete Noah Lyles refused to acknowledge Team Canada as a worthy opponent after winning the relay gold medal. Lyles repeatedly exclaimed 'who' when asked whether Canada was a threat to the American team in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics.

Sharing the video, Trudeau wrote:

"Sorry. 👀🥇"

What happened to USA's 4x100m relay team at the Paris Olympics?

Team USA at Paris 2024 - Athletics - Source: Getty

USA's 4x100m relay team comprised Fred Kerley, Christian Coleman, Kenny Bednarek, and Kyree King. The team was considered the top favorite to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. However, tragedy struck the team and they were disqualified.

The team picked up momentum in the third leg, with Christian Coleman handing over the baton to Fred Kerley, who was ready to be the anchor and lead the team to victory. However, there was a slight confusion in the baton exchange and they fumbled. As a result, the baton was passed outside the exchange zone.

As per Olympic.com, Team USA was disqualified in accordance with technical rule number 24.7, which states:

"The baton shall be passed within the takeover zone. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified."

Team USA was officially disqualified, shattering their dream to win an Olympic medal in the event since Athens 2004 where the team had won the silver medal.