Previews23 May 2014


Men’s 4x100m preview – IAAF World Relays

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Yohan Blake of Jamaica receives the relay baton from Michael Frater of Jamaica during the Men's 4 x 100m Relay of the London 2012 Olympic Games on 11 August 2012 (© Getty Images)

Calling Jamaica the heavy favourites in the short relay is something of an understatement. The team in gold and green own the past three world titles, the past two Olympic titles, and the world record (36.84).

For the first time, Jamaica will build its squad around 2011 world champion Yohan Blake, but their depth is such that any of their legs – Oshane Bailey, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nesta Carter, Andrew Fisher and Michael Frater round out the pool – could be at least global semi-finalists.

Before Jamaica was the unstoppable 4x100m juggernaut, that role went to the USA, and they remain a contender, waiting for the Jamaicans to show a weakness. Mike Rodgers and Trell Kimmons highlight the US squad here, with Calesio Newman, Charles Silmon, Marvin Bracy and Rakieem Salaam rounding out the pool.

Not to be ignored, however, Great Britain’s men are looking to reverse run of bad luck. After a phenomenal race was met with disqualification in Moscow, the British will head to Nassau with much the same squad, particularly Dwain Chambers and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, but with the addition of world indoor champion Richard Kilty. Andrew Robertson, Daniel Talbot, and James Ellington are the rest of the pool.

This is one of the deepest races of the weekend, and there are likely to be competitive squads on hand from Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, France – including Christophe Lemaitre and Jimmy Vicaut – Canada, and hosts The Bahamas, just to name a few.

Parker Morse for the IAAF

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