The composition of the final of the 4×400 m mixed, for the first time on the program of the Games, was quite difficult. The US and the Dominican Republic kept Belgium from winning the series, but were disqualified.
That decision was reversed after protest, an ultimate complaint from Belgium was rejected. A blow for the medal chances of the Belgians and with Cynthia Bolingo’s forfeit, a second came just before the start. Bolingo thought she had recovered from her hamstring injury, but apparently felt something kicking in during the warm-up.
Imke Vervaet had to prepare for an Olympic final. Start runner Dylan Borlée had passed the baton in 6th and Vervaet passed on to Camille Laus in 5th. But by then the Belgians had already lost touch with the head.
Final runner Kevin Borlée tried to move heaven and earth to advance. He still got past the British, but the medals had started flying.
The Netherlands seemed to be heading for gold at the front, but Ramsey Angela couldn’t hold it and dropped back to 4th place. Poland had the best final sprint with Duszynski, ahead of the US and Dominican Republic.
