British sprinters disqualified from relay

Last Modified: 21 Aug 2008
Source: ITN

Great Britain's sprinters will not get the chance to defend their 4x100m relay title at the Olympic Games.

The team of Simeon Williamson, Tyrone Edgar, Marlon Devonish and Craig Pickering appeared to have a good chance of winning a medal when the United States failed to finish the first heat because they dropped the baton.

Great Britain were drawn alongside the favourites Jamaica in the second heat and they were going well but officials ruled the final changeover from Marlon Devonish to Craig Pickering took place too late, so they were disqualified.

After the race, Pickering said he took full responsibility because he started to run too soon.

But Devonish, the only remaining member of the team that ran to victory in Athens in 2004, insisted the blame should be shared.

Jamaica qualified comfortably even though the 100 metres world record holder Usain Bolt did not take part in the heats.

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