In their qualifying heat on Thursday (8/18), the U.S. women's 4x100m relay team dropped the baton on their second exchange and finished the heat dead last. This team --made up of Morolake Akinosun, English Gardner, Tianna Bartlett and Allyson Felix--decided to run the race to completion despite the fact that most of the other teams had finished before their second and third runner exchanged the baton. After reviewing the race, it was clear that Allyson Felix, the most decorated female Olympian in USATF history, had been hit by a Brazilian runner just before she was set to hand off the baton. The team's decision to complete the race and the way in which they handled themselves in the post race interview can teach all of us a few things.
RESILIENCE
Despite being hit by a Brazilian runner's arm early in the exchange area, Allyson Felix continued running and still attempted to pass the baton to her teammate. The split second she took to recover from the contact caused English Gardner to be just out of Felix's reach. Felix did not give up when she reached the boundary of the exchange area, she attempted to throw the baton into her teammate's hands so that they could finish the race. Through this Felix showed that on any road to success there will be hardships and obstacles but in order to succeed you must continue moving forward toward your goal. After the baton hit the track, Felix was disappointed but quickly decided to retrieve the baton and complete the exchange, knowing if they had a chance at protesting, her and her teammates had to cross the finish line. Again, these women chose to focus on their ultimate goal instead of being consumed by their immediate emotions.
HOW TO BE A GRACIOUS COMPETITOR
These women did this in two particular ways: by trusting in the officials and by focusing on their own performance and not that of their competitors.
By completing the race and deciding to protest, the team showed respect for the event's officials by allowing them to make the decision they saw fit. The protest was quiet and respectful and did not suggest incompetence of the on-site officials. The women simply asked for a second look at this moment, which the officials carried out, deeming Felix was indeed struck by her fellow competitor.
In the post race interview with NBC, Felix and Gardner were asked what happened. Felix primarily spoke saying she was thrown off by the contact causing the exchanged to be mistimed. She even lightly criticized herself for being effected by the contact. Neither athlete put the blame on their opponent who encroached on their lane. By respecting their opponents, the U.S. 4x100m team showed what it means to be a gracious competitor.
HOW TO BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
Lastly, they showed what it means to be a good teammate. They stood united and finished the race. In the interview, they stood four abreast supporting and not blaming each other. Things go wrong and people make mistakes but without trust and support a team can fall apart easily. This team chose to remain together and ended up qualifying for the final.
On any road to success there will be hiccups and setbacks. The U.S. women's 4x100m relay team reminded us all that being resilient, respecting your craft and supporting others is an effective way to overcome obstacles in order to succeed. Thank you Allyson, English, Tianna and Morolake for representing our nation so well and showing us all what it truly means to be an Olympian.
