Breaking with an American tradition of underperforming in the 4x100 in major competitions that dates back to the 1912 Olympic Games, a pickup U.S. team of Kaaron Conwright, Wallace Spearmon, Tyson Gay and Jason Smoots turned in a stunning 8-metre victory in 37.59 seconds, equal fifth-fastest time ever.
Spearmon had a slight lead when he took the stick from Conright and blew the race open on the second leg. A smooth exchange with ex-University of Arkansas teammate Gay kept it going and Smoots finished the job steaming.
Europe's all-British team edged Asia's all-Japanese foursome to take second, 38.45 to 38.51. The Americas team, anchored by 100m World record holder Asafa Powell, did not finish.
The U.S.' national coaches might want show a tape of this race to their 4x100 teams as they prepare for Osaka in 2007 and Beijing in 2008.
