As excitement builds for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Team USA found itself at the center of criticism following an important oversight on the track. The U.S. men faced disqualification in the 4×400 relay, sparking outrage among the track and field fans. With only 82 days remaining for the Paris Olympics 2024, the relay team has got their work cut out with the latest upset.

In the marquee 4x400m relay finale, Team USA’s star-studded quartet inexplicably defied official instructions by lining up out of their assigned order on the track. According to longstanding World Athletics regulations, this basic misstep is grounds for immediate disqualification.

The fallout was swift as track aficionados worldwide dragged the mighty team over the coals. “USA disqualified! Rookie mistake there changing positions from the positions they were placed in by the officials. No excuse for not knowing the rules. #WorldAthleticsRelays” one prominent writer blasted on X, giving voice to the collective bewilderment.

Despite crossing the finish line first, the USA’s 4×400 relay team lost the ticket to the Paris Olympics. However, they still have a chance of redemption by either finishing in the top two of a repechage round on Sunday or by being one of the top two nations in world rankings on June 30 that have not already qualified.

USA Men’s 4x400m relay disqualification stirs debate

Supporters were upset and shocked that the USA men’s 4×400-meter relay team was disqualified. After discovering the team’s mistake and changing positions, a supporter mirrored a sentiment, highlighting the significance of understanding the quarter relays-mentioning, “Position at 200m mark. Every kid that runs quarter relays knows this.”

In the meantime, Thomas Jordier of France, who had participated previously in the day, was hurt in the last heat. Although both squads had wanted to lock up their slots today, they will have an additional chance to qualify on Sunday in the Olympic qualification round two. One more fan observed that it’s important to comprehend and follow the rules, saying, “Nope, learn the rules.”

The recurrent nature of these instances was brought to light by a tweet from a user commenting, “USA’s 4x400m men’s relay team has been disqualified for… ‘being clever’ in the changing zone! #bahamas24 #Worldrelays.” This statement highlights the team’s prior disqualifications, demonstrating a history of noncompliance with rules.

The US men’s team was criticized by fans for their error with one commenting, “Waitttttt USA Men’s 4x400m is disqualified for moving up for the exchange???? I thought you could do that when your runner takes the lead????” Disappointed, fans continue to emphasize how unfair the disqualification seems to be considering the team’s tactical choices made during the race.