The United States produced the 4th fastest 4x100m time ever in winning the first heat in 41.52. That’s a 1997 world leader and misses the U.S. national record only by 0.03 seconds. It is also the fastest ever in heats. Second in heat 1 was France in a national record time of 42.53. Only the three best got through from heat 1, because of the faster times in heat 2. Nigeria finished third in time of 43.00; Greece, 4th in (43.15) did not make it to the final. Heat 1 also produced a national record for Brazil, running 43.89 for 7th place. Bahamas won the second heat in 42.19 missing their national record only by 0.05. Jamaica took the second spot in 42.31 and Germany was 3rd to qualify straight to the final with their time of 42.51. Both time qualifying spots went to heat two: Russia ran 42.69 and China recorded an Asian Record of 42.92.
