Jamaica suffered more misfortune at the IAAF World Indoor Championships after being disqualified in the women’s 4x400m relay final on Sunday.
The United States clocked a championship record 3:23.85 to claim the gold medal. The Jamaican quartet of Tovea Jenkins, Janieve Russell, Anastasia Leroy and Stephenie-Ann McPherson had looked like favorites to secure a spot on the podium and crossed the line well clear in second spot behind the United States. Poland claimed third spot in 3.26.09.
When the result board flashed a few minutes later, however, the Jamaicans were shown in last place with the dreaded DQ label.
The infringement was ruled to be a lane change violation as Russell shifted over into lane 1 from lane 2, pushing in front of Ukrainian athlete Hanna Ryzhykova ahead of the changeover.
Ukraine were moved into the third place spot after Great Britain, who initially took third in wake of Jamaica’s disqualification, were themselves later disqualified. The Brits were, however, later reinstated on appeal and claimed the bronze medal.
