First reaction was like no way, what happened ? Like most running enthusiast i had to find the video to actually see what happened. As a proud of American there are some stapled events that for the 39 years i have been living American Track & Field does very well in the sprint relays.
The Polish team of Karol Zalewski, Rafal Omelko, Lukasz Krawczuk and Jakub Krzewina won in 3:01.77. That shaved 0.36 seconds off the previous record of 3:02.13, which was set by the United States in 2014. via Press reader
BIRMINGHAM, England — The recipe for defeating the United States in a 4×400-meter relay is simple: hold the race in England. <---- I disagree with that statement. As a Coach and athlete myself we train for results, we train for execution, I am not shock this is a way of life, this is a mentality. Yes the track world and America is in awe on how this could happen, and I say very simple, best explained by the second leg, Rafal Omelko.
“It is a big shock and surprise for us,” Omelko said. “We were targeting the European record, but really did not expect a result like this and never dreamed about the world record.” As far as I am concern Dreams Are Tangible Goals.. Here in the States many are baffled some have gone as far and conducted research check out How Four Polish Guys Beat the US to Break the 4×400 World Record (3:01.77)
The race was in control by the US, I will give always props and credit when it's due and earned. The first and second leg of Poland did their job keeping the US in eye sight keeping the race close and most important giving the 3rd & 4th leg an opportunity for victory. Below is the race let me know your thoughts ? US will be back as always but for now salute to the four men who didn't pull an upset they just worked hard and achieved the possible. Dreams Are Tangible Goals
Here’s a look at how the Poles and Americans stacked up, leg-by-leg:
Poland
Name Outdoor PR Indoor PR Unofficial Split
Karol Zalewski 45.8 446.2 45.85
Rafal Omelko 45.14 46.08 45.10
Lukasz Krawczuk 45.65 46.26 45.90
Jakub Krzewina 45.11 46.26 44.93
USA
Name Outdoor PR Indoor PR Unofficial Split
Fred Kerley 43.7 44.85 44.84 (FAT)
Michael Cherry 44.66 45.53 45.27
Aldrich Bailey 45.19 45.59 46.05
Vernon Norwood 44.44 45.31 45.67