NASSAU, The Bahamas – The world’s fastest man Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt simply said “it’s back to the drawing board” after he and his teammates lost in shocking defeat to the United States in the Men’s 4x100m relay at the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015.
The energy of spectators totally engulfed the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday, May 2, as the much-anticipated match-up took place resulting in the United States beating Jamaica in a time of 37:38 for the Gold Medal.
At the press conference following the race, Bolt said there would always be rivalry between The United States and Jamaica but that would not stop him from wanting to win. “I enjoy it. I would like to keep winning. I am happy about rivalry,” he said. Justin Gatlin noted that it was the first time the US beat Jamaica as they were really focused going in.
However, he said at the end of the day, there is much respect for the competition. “We were more focused on getting the sticker (baton) out. Victory always feels good and Jamaica is always going to be tough competition,” said teammate Tyson Gay. Third place winner Japan said they were very happy to be in The Bahamas competing in the World Relays against such teams as the United States and Jamaica.
The US quartet comprised Mike Rodgers, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey, who finished in a time of 37:38, making it the equal seventh fastest performance in history and a time only other US and Jamaican teams have ever beaten.
The Jamaican team of Usain Bolt, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nesta Carter and Nickel Ashmeade settled for a second place in 37.68 and a Silver Medal. Third place finishers and Bronze Medal winners were Japan’s Kazuma Oseto, Kenji Fujimitsu, Yoshihide Kiryu and Kotarro Taniguchi in a time of 38:20.
