Carl Lewis on USA men's 4x100m relay team. PHOTO: Getty Images

"We've never had these problems in history until now"- Carl Lewis calls for change as USA's medal drought continues in men's 4x100m relay

Modified Aug 13, 2024 12:02 GMT

Retired American track and field athlete Carl Lewis has asked for the American officials to establish "credibility" after the disqualification of the United States in the men’s 4x100m relay team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The USA team were disqualified after a clumsy baton exchange by the athletes in the men’s 4x100m relay event finals. With that, the United States failed to win a medal despite qualifying for the finals with the best timing among all nations.

In the heats of the 4x100m relay, the USA team of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey ran a time of 37.47s to advance to the finals. The team then made changes, with Kenny Bednarek being assigned to run the second leg and Fred Kerley replacing Courtney Lindsey in the anchor leg, as Noah Lyles withdrew due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Unfortunately for them, the change didn’t work in Team USA's favor. Bednarek, running the second leg, took off too early before Coleman reached the designated spot, which caused the baton exchange to take place outside the takeover zone.

Following this, an X user commented about the USA team’s historical struggles with baton exchanges. However, they expressed confidence in Carl Lewis fixing the issue, stating:

“They have traditionally had baton issues but Carl Lewis would be the man to fix it! I think they will bounce back in LA.”

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The legendary track and field athlete responded to this statement, saying that it was a huge concern. He called for accountability and asked Max Siegel, the CEO of USA Track & Field, to intervene:

“We have not won at the Olympics since the program began. One silver in 2004, and 5 consecutive races without a medal. We've never had these problems in history until now. @Max_Siegel, it's time to step in and take control of the program. And establish some credibility.”

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The United States last won an Olympic medal in the event at the 2004 Athens Olympics, bagging a silver. Since then, they have not won any medals in the event, resulting in a 20-year drought. The USA had collected 15 golds in the event until the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

A look at Carl Lewis’ performance in the men’s 4x100m relay for the USA at the Olympics

Carl Lewis in the Men's 100 meter race of the 1984 Olympic Games. (Photo via Getty Images)

Carl Lewis won two gold medals as a member of the USA’s 4x100m relay event - at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1992 Barcelona Olympics. In both the Olympics, he ran the anchor leg for the USA and contributed significantly to their victory.

At the Los Angeles Olympics, the USA registered a then-world record time of 37.83s to win gold. The Barcelona Olympics witnessed the United States bagging the top position in yet another then-world record time of 37.40s.