CHAOS In Record-Breaking Championship Of America Women's 4x800m At Penn Relays 2024

[@dewilderdbetter]

After slowing the playback speed to .25 and rewatching the critical moments six times, I need to revise my earlier observation to report that the Washington runner actually did contact the baton and knocked it out of the Providence runner's hand but will have to leave it up to the judges as to how that stacks up against the Providence runner's swinging wide to block her. Would they be off-setting penalties? People will probably argue this one for years.

[@richardbuchanan4720]

That's what I saw, too - contact with the baton.

[@mstrunn]

@@richardbuchanan4720 Incidental contact!

[@leonardodalongisland]

That's because Providence ran into the other girl. Watch it again-you'll see she moved into lane two-it's he own fault.

[@KrustyKlown]

@@leonardodalongisland exactly, she tried to block and received instant Karma. Anyway, it is the runners responsibility to hold onto the baton, contact happens

[@leonardodalongisland]

@@KrustyKlown I don't think she was trying to block-more like she just lost her bearings and "slid" into the next lane. But either way, it was her fault.

[@timvertz3687]

What an incredible race. I’m a Washington fan but wish the drop never happened. That’s heartbreaking for the Providence runners.

[@jeeperp3926]

It wasn’t a drop. The Washington runner knocked the baton out of the Providence runner’s hand. Washington should have been disqualified

[@patfromamboy]

@@jeeperp3926no, the Providence runner hit the Washington runner.

[@andrewhobby1906]

There was obvious contact noticeable at full speed that knocked out the baton. Even the commentators noticed the contact during the race.

[@markmapp6383]

All legal...

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

@@markmapp6383 a big loud fart on a bus is also legal, so is calling someone vulgar names in public, and so is cutting in from the left. legal and right are two different things. this was completely on purpose, 'accidentally' flailing arms; oh, oopsie, so sorry. total DQ

[@profd65]

Yea, and the contact was created by the Providence runner who veered toward the Washington runner and knocked her baton against the Washington runner.

[@skibmbp]

Poor kid - I feel so bad for her, incredible effort

[@JimBlondin]

Every coach should definitely show the final 20 seconds to ALL their relay members (no matter what the distance) as a learning experience. #1. Washington on the corner tried to pass the Providence runner...both runners were equally strong at that point. Be patient, follow on the corner if you have no clear advantage to overtake the runner ahead of you.. By swinging out on the corner you force yourself to run harder, thus tiring you more. And if you do get to the shoulder of an equally strong runner, if you try to move in without a full stride on the inside runner and contact is made...you are the one DQ'd. Apparently, the corner judge ruled the contact to be insignificant thus creating no advantage/disadvantage...and no Washington DQ resulted. #2. Inside runner, carry the baton in your left hand...outside runner carry baton in right hand. #3. In a close race, when coming off a corner as the inside runner, do not drift "out" in an attempt to block your opponent. Even if no contact is created, this could be ruled as impeding your opponent's progress and cause you to be DQ'd. I do not think any judge ruled DQ for Providence impeding Washington's progress. #4. If Washington used a proper "sling-shot" pass when passing while coming off the corner technique, I think it would have been race over (Washington winning) #5. Because no proper sling-shot pass technique was used, the Washington runner lost all momentum and Providence actually beat Washington to the line. #6. Yes, there was Washington hand contact with the Providence baton (that's why Providence dropped the baton), but the ruling was that the contact was "accidental and NOT deliberately caused" by Washington. I saw no "overt action" by Washington to cause contact with the Providence baton. The Washington runner's arm swing action was unchanged throughout the final 50 meters. Therefore, that's just relay racing...PROTECT THE BATON AT ALL COSTS. You cannot win a race if you do not have the baton as you cross the finish line. So, if you drop the baton, go back and get it, and hope the judges rule in your team's favor concerning how did the baton get on the ground. In my final assessment...the final results were correct and should stand up under any protest.

[@Myfreddiemac]

Excellent analysis

[@Fefotwo-ps6hd]

This is why we have track nerds🎉🎉🎉. You sir get your flowers. Much appreciated analysis and good for the sport.

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

Maybe YOU should coach ! - yeah - makes me sad with little mistakes like dropping a baton - all the other girl's work gone - shit happens and it's like the easy dropped pass in the End Zone in Football or the missed easy layup in Basketball - "we don't trip over Mountains ... we trip over mole hills"

[@drewbot77]

@mzbn5251 Can we pin @user-bm6ii3ny8l's analysis somehow? It's perfect. So many others here desperately need to review it.

[@marathawnjawn8862]

100%. As a UW Alum, I was rooting for the UW runner to sit just off the shoulder & sling-shot passed her into the home straight. But she unsuccessfully tried going around the outside with like 220 to go & wasted so much energy. She got lucky for the incidental contact & Providence dropping the baton. Great race by both squads👏

[@BEFREE3]

I had the baton knocked out of my hand my sophomore year at the 4x800 state finals. I learned from that experience, and won two individual titles my senior year. I highly recommend strength training during the winter months, and avoid other sports. I snow shoed a bunch, and only lost one race my senior year. It was to my team mate in the 200m. I was a 800 & 1600m runner.

[@dhe777]

Looks like the Washington runner knocked it out of the Providence runner's hand.

[@jimalford6359]

I agree, it looks like she was bumped

[@truth8508]

no, play it back in slow mo. no contact is visible

[@bradblokzyl786]

That’s exactly what happened

[@drjamp8169]

@@truth8508 Nope, there is definitely contact of the W runners hand on the P baton. Providence was robbed.

[@MrLionheart777]

Yeah, Providence moved her arm back and Washington's hand came up just at the right time to hit it. Purely accidentally.

[@coe141]

When you're in lane one, stay in lane one. It's the shortest distance. If you move to lane two down the stretch from lane one, you may be disqualified for obstruction.

[@paulsdogwalking]

the finish line is out in lane 2/3 on a relay, you dont know what youre looking at

[@ApplePi31415]

Clearly they're talking about how the Providence girl swung super wide in the final straight ​@@paulsdogwalking

[@brucebogtrotter3430]

The Washington girl was making contact WHILE she was holding lane 1. Washington should be DQd!

[@triathlontimmy]

That was lane 4. This is Penn.

[@annasdad8008]

@@paulsdogwalkingNo, it’s not. The finish line runs across every lane. The banner is not the official finish but even so the man holding the banner was behind the curb.

[@johnbarnett6924]

Not in my life so far Have I had a more exciting moment ,posted in a Sportin event ❤ Dobie Wan Kanobie ❤ thanks for the opportunity ❤❤❤revisted July 19 2024❤

[@desecration171]

Okay so guys, this is an 800m race. There isn't a "lane" to be kept. You can run behind another runner in the same lane or run wide to pass. What you can't do is make contact that impedes another runner or forming a block to slow down another runner (i.e. using your B-team/b-runner to slow down faster people). If the runner ahead of you gasses out and swings wide (or swings wide in general) you're not required to yield for them. While the Wash runner did engage in a little dirty play bumping the Prov runner, the Prov runner, either intentionally or accidentally, impeded the Wash runner and made contact with her that resulted in her baton being dropped. The Prov runner was supposed to stop, return to pick up the baton, and finish the race.

[@mikemoon6245]

Wow, that was exciting.

[@wowlab6868]

The craziest moments in women's sports are what legends are made of-literally!

[@davidballard2424]

When you run the inside lane, you carry the baton on the inside so this can never happen.

[@williamverhoef4349]

Are you sure? It feels more natural to hold the baton in your dominant hand. But I don't know what the actual runners are instructed to do. Do they train holding the baton in either hand? On the other hand, you can be disqualified if you purposefully (it wasn't in this case) or accidentally (as it appears to be in this case) knock your opponent's baton out of their hand.

[@jeanicelewis510]

WHAT????????????? You hold baton in hand more comfortable for you. Even in sprint races, sometimes they switch hands after the exchange.

[@williamverhoef4349]

​@@jeanicelewis510 It was just a question, and I was just imagining what I would do - grab it with my dominant hand and keep it there. I've never even run in a relay. I'm a long-distance trial runner. It does seem to me that you would try to keep the baton in the same hand throughout your run, because whenever you change hands there is the possibility of dropping the baton. I imagine it would also distract from your pacing.

[@billucf96]

Inside lane you absolutely switch the baton to your left hand specifically so this does not happen. The baton is more comfortable in my off hand than it is lying on the track.

[@leonardodalongisland]

EXACTLY! Just like in football-outside hand.

[@krushfield]

WOW! If I was one of those Providence runners... shock, dismay, anger, confusion... how did this happen? I can't imagine what was going through their heads... just wow.

[@2011Cape]

Put it in slow mo at 10:13… W crowds P in and P tries to gain lane fully again by pushing W away. I don’t run… what’s the rule on this stuff?

[@retirednavychief6983]

I have a couple of questions. 1. Basically, coming into the last straight, these two runners are close in placement(look at their feet touching the ground) and are too close to change positions. However the Providence runner is always a few inches ahead of the WA runner(look at the feet again). The baton is not dropped...the WA runner strikes the Providence runners baton while her arm is coming forward and the Providence runners arm is coming back. It does not look intentional in any way to me. BUT... If a runner lagging causes a runner leading to drop their baton, is that not interference on the lagging runner? This to me is a clear case of unintentional interference on the WA runner. As far as I know there isn't any requirement to stay in a lane on the last lap(s) of any track race. Is that a correct belief?

[@larrywheels762]

Big lead evaporated. Great race. Gal was drifting out of her lane trying to block the Washington runner.

[@dewilderdbetter]

Come on, folks, Providence VERY CLEARLY swung out into Lane Two and got instant karma. Case closed. Brava, Washington and a RECORD to boot!

[@aCycloneSteve]

Or Washington intentionally hit her hand?

[@dewilderdbetter]

I slowed playback to 1/4 speed and went frame by frame and there didn’t appear to be any contact but you could be right. I’m wondering if they’ll review the video before certifying the record.

[@HowlingFantods]

Washington runner was banging into her on the final turn. You cant try to cut people off before you are in front of them, lol.

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

I have to agree really no other reason to push out - you'd actually want to stay inside - really sad to see a dropped baton though - so much effort from that first runner for Providence - maybe use glue next time

[@aCycloneSteve]

I find this who thing funny. I know NOTHING about running, I don't know the rules, I don't know who should have won, but @forrestsmith9235 is clearly a homer. Some days it's nice to be a troll.

[@dimensionexo.]

First contact @07:45 Washington runner was way too close to Providence - Second contact @8:00 once again too close - Third contact "Providence"runner veered into Washington thus initiating - Contact and ultimately dropping the baton *

[@joeyknowitall6656]

They should be disqualified for knocking the baton out of her hand

[@profd65]

Watch it again, genius. The Providence runner made the contact; she veered toward the Washington runner.

[@markpatterson8922]

@@profd65Providence was in the lead, she can pick her own line. Washington knocked the baton out.

[@lewisgordon1490]

I thought they always had the strongest competitor for the last leg of a relay, and not first (looked like the second runner was also very fast by the gaps). I bet sweat on the baton from the previous 3 runners, making it more slippery, was a big factor in her dropping it.

[@butter7734]

Didn't look like a drop to me. Looked like Washington knocked it out of her hand.

[@profd65]

The Providence runner veered toward the Washington runner, and made contact. Figure it out.

[@cheetah595]

@@profd65 That's right. She did that after the Washington runner got in her space and made contact with her at least twice during the closing moments.

[@stevesewall]

10:08 (7:55 of the race) from half way around the final turn. At .25 playback speed, the video quality is GREAT - wotta great race, regardless of controversy . . .

[@watsonbeale]

Confused. At about 09:25 the announcer mentions "the Jamaican fans" but that's Franklin Field in Philly, right? I then googled "Penn Relays Jamaica" and there is one that seems to have the same schedule. What am I not understanding? Thanks..

[@jgrantsf]

I think the announcer is referring to the horns and noise makers, which I assume belong to the Jamaican fans who come to the relays to cheer for the Jamaican athletes.

[@watsonbeale]

@@jgrantsf Ohhh. That makes sense. Thanks a lot.

[@JK-gn6qr]

@10:23 contact was made to the baton by the Washington runner which in turn knocked the baton from the Providence' runners hand.

[@profd65]

Trouble with your eyesight? The Providence runner knocked the baton out of her own hands by veering toward the Washington runner.

[@patfromamboy]

The Providence runner hit the Washington runner.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

11:16“The replay on this could fill chapters in a book.” That wouldn't be a book I'd be interested in reading.

[@occ4l]

"The thrill of victory... and the agony...of defeat." :) :(

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

Gosh dang - I miss that beginning of the CBS ? ABC ? NBC ? Sports from the 70's

[@hubb123456]

The cut away to a different camera angle right at the critical moment is very frustrating.

[@greenwave819]

the washington girl clearly knocked the baton out of the providence girl's hand. the providence girl should have had her hair up, she had her hair a mini parachute behind her head

[@profd65]

Wow, so many geniuses in this comment section. The Providence runner knocked the baton out of her own hand by veering toward the Washington runner.

[@Itsshvonedanielle]

Clear as day she knocked the baton out of hand.. & that is what she was trying to do coming up on the last 200 at the curve, she was intentionally trying to push her over the railing so she can lose the momentum. As a former runner I noticed that. That was the goal & she did it. That’s why you never let anyone come close to you or try to gain control you move from the outside. She had plenty of room and still made contact. Never allow anyone to walk you down and drop the baton.. i just know they were so hurt after that.

[@Baz-Ten]

Agreed...And see how cleverly Washington disengages & ends up in lane 7 at the finish!

[@profd65]

Bullsh*t. Watch it again. The Providence runner knocked the baton out of her own hand. She veered toward the Washington runner, and the Washington runner was on the outside of lane 2 when the contact happened. The Providence runner had plenty of room.

[@Itsshvonedanielle]

@@profd65 i said what i said.

[@donsheffler]

@@Itsshvonedanielle What you said is ridiculous. There was inadvertent contact, *caused by* the Providence runner. The Providence runner began on the inside divider in lane 1 and then purposely drifted out to drive Washington out to the line between lanes 2 and 3. Providence runner was herself in the middle of lane 2 and still moving to her right when the contact was made. If you're going to cut off the other runner by continuing to step in front of her, *hold tight to your baton* lol. It was 100% her own fault.

[@Itsshvonedanielle]

@@donsheffler the race was a month ago let it go. It happened already.

[@danthompson414]

Dropped baton has to be heartbreak for Providence! 😢

[@mountains1233]

Appears at 10:14 contact is made and the inside runner's space is invaded, causing her to contract and not have natural space to run. So basically if this is allowed to hold, then it incentives runner's to use this as a strategy in the future. It could also rile up the opponent.

[@robogarden5723]

If your baton falls out.... stop and pick it up and start running again. Why would you just keep running to the finish without the baton?

[@williamverhoef4349]

Full of adrenalin and going to lose anyway, so at least get to the line first.

[@tomfitz3324]

This is right. In a relay, it’s the baton that matters. You drop it, pick it up and take it to the line. In an event in lanes, if it is out of the lane, then DQ, but here no lanes, so stop and get it.But also, you hold the baton and protect it from other runners. Lots of contact, but Providence runner did swing wide and should have stayed in lane 1 to the line.

[@KTPurdy]

Bingo, she knows she's dropped it. She went from 2nd to zero.

[@williamverhoef4349]

@@KTPurdy It looks like the baton was accidentally knocked out of her hand by her opponent, but perhaps it doesn't matter whether she dropped it, or it was knocked out of her hand. As far as I can tell there has been no protest.

[@sawmanbigtreeslayer2360]

No doubt!!

[@gscott5778]

When the Providence runner pushed out SHE set up the baton hit. I haven't heard the NCAA has adopted NASCAR rules for the last lap. Pushing to the outside AND carrying the baton right there where it can be knocked from your hand - That's ALL on the Providence runner. (Oh and I've got no like or dislike for either school or their athletes.

[@Al-po2oh]

The Providence runner moved over one full lane and bumped into the Washington runner. That’s on her.

[@craigfortune4321]

The Providence runner moved to the outside coming home, trying to impede the Washington runner.

[@paulculwell9062]

That doesn't matter

[@paulculwell9062]

@@craigfortune4321 that doesn't matter

[@paulculwell9062]

That doesn't matter

[@christinehodges6]

@@craigfortune4321If the Washington runner was truly fast enough to win, she would have gone around the Providence runner. That's what they're supposed to do. Washington should have been disqualified.

[@turtuhl]

I feel the baton was knocked out of her hand.

[@profd65]

Don't trust your feelings, trust your senses. The Providence runner created the contact, she veered toward the Washington runner.

[@donsheffler]

It was. But not on purpose, and, it was her fault.

[@michael-101]

I am from Germany. The behaviour of the runner in black, changing the line, was so unfair that she had to be disqualified in any case. The right team won, no doubt.

[@tomperkins5657]

I missed that but you are absolutely right!!!

[@matteocucchiara]

@@tomperkins5657 The leader is allowed to change her line to the finish. That's why the lead is so important.

[@tomperkins5657]

@@matteocucchiara Thank you!

[@profd65]

@@matteocucchiara Not in the straightaway, clown. This isn't bumper cars. You run straight in the straightaway.

[@Kenroadrunner]

Providence runner went wide right - naughty girl...and the baton in the wrong hand!

[@robertblount9985]

Is it possible that under the intensity of the moment and the experience of the workload that a person can lose concentration on baton control to the extent that control becomes an afterthought?

[@Jttw2131]

Great race. What's a baton?

[@markmitzlaff8672]

What a freaking beast.

[@roland1531]

In slow motion, it appears the baton hit the Washington runner's hand or wrist, however, even though each runner was interfering in the lanes at different times, it was the Providence runner moving further into the Washington's runner's lane that caused the contact with the baton. Washington should be the victors IMO.

[@percyfree9831]

Gee woulda like to see front on shot in finish,yehh th Prov girl did drift out adding to the baton coming loose, was a mighty race

[@Oenloveslife]

I feel like the Washington runner was running too close tucked in to the Providence runner flailing, and knocked that baton out of there.

[@qrs5190]

I played it in slo motion and defiantly the Washington runner hit the baton of the Providence runner.

[@mantelltruth3053]

LOL! Didn't you see Providence move out of her lane into Washington's lane? How many lanes should Providence get? SMH. If a foul was committed it was by the Providence runner!

[@brucebogtrotter3430]

@@mantelltruth3053you keep posting the exact same comment and that comment is garbage! Washington made contact multiple times before the drift or baton drop. Get some glasses

[@williamverhoef4349]

@@mantelltruth3053 But just before that, the Washington runner ran into the lane of the Providence runner forcing her towards the boundary. It seemed to me the Providence runner was pushing her back - but she did end running in the Washington runner's lane. But what's the rule here.

[@mediamannaman]

@@mantelltruth3053 Oh geez, you’re right. I also slowed it down to see if Washington knocked the baton out of her hand. I wasn’t looking at the lanes. The Providence runner swung way out of the lane to bump into the Washington runner. They don’t have to stay in any particular lane for this race, but still, that erases my sympathy for Providence. If she would have just stayed in Lane 1 she would have won it.

[@mmb811]

She knocked it out of the Providence runner's hand, probably by accident, but fact remains she did knocked it out of her hand! Another ZOLA BUDD / MARY DECKER

[@knyghtsword]

Sorry but it's not the same thing. Nobody fell, just the baton.

[@mmb811]

@@knyghtsword same result

[@profd65]

Wow, so many dumb people in the contact section. The Providence runner knocked the baton out of her own hand by veering toward the Washington runner. She made the contact that dislodged the baton. Also, if you don't want to drop it, carry it in your left hand.

[@southernfriedkiwi7726]

Providence forced her opponent wide and inadvertently made contact with her hand. Washington was just keeping her line. No foul when you slow it down.

[@matteocucchiara]

A runner in second cannot keep her line if there the runner ahead moves into that line.

[@neildevlin6563]

She held the baton in the wrong hand. Brilliant race well done.👏👏

[@matteocucchiara]

Most runners hold the baton in their dominant hand, which is usually the right hand. Changing hands in a race causes more dropped batons than holding the baton in one hand or the other.

[@neildevlin6563]

@@matteocucchiara Yes but when you are in the inside lane you hold baton on the inside so this can never happen

[@jowade9026]

..no replay of the finish???

[@judsdragon]

id like to see a closer view of that or a side view if possible cos that looked like the Washington runner knocked it out of her hand whether accidentally or intentionally u cant tell but they had already made contact b4 and yet the Washington runner stayed very close

[@TanSpaceX]

Looks like the Washington runner accidentally baton-swatted the Providence runner, but then Providence veered into Washington's lane to avoid being overtaken. Gotta hand it to the judges, they made the right call on sports(wo)manship! 😄

[@ddland45]

WOW!!!! Did the Providence runner drop the baton, or did the Washington runner inadvertently knock it out of her hand? There was clear contact between the runners and the Providence runner did drift out, forcing Washington wider on the top of the stretch. I've never seen this happen before. Was there an official inquiry to determine what happened and who actually won?

[@williamblasberg6133]

Providence runner went from the inside lane to the next lane and cut in front of the Washington runner. No foul on the Washington anchor.

[@Mjm614]

Washington anchor was in lane 1, crowding Providence, for much of the last lap

[@williamblasberg6133]

@@Mjm614 Did you watch the video? Washington did bump a little on the last curve as she tried to pass, but after that what I said happened really did. And it is obvious. And how can you crowd the last lap when you are trailing the lead runner, who also was in lane one? Only a little crowding for about two seconds on the last curve.

[@matteocucchiara]

You cannot cut in front of a runner if you are in the lead.

[@nothingness55]

both teams were making contact, the Washington team made first contact... but the providence girl was probably thinking.. im getting bumped im not going to go down on the rail. i need space.. ill push out a bit to avoid the rail on the straight away. and got the baton knocked out of her hand by the Washington runner.

[@phillylifer]

What a heartbreak. So much grit and grind and then that

[@McKelT]

Lesson here HOLD THAT BATON FOR DEAR LIFE!!!!!!

[@robertblount9985]

Holding onto the baton for dear life causes tension and tension slows you down. Couldn’t risk slowing down in that situation.

[@roustabout4fun]

Dawg Day afternoon! Conrats~

[@jimquantic]

so there was not talk of disqualification due to the dropped baton?

[@RighteousReverendDynamite]

Other girl hit baton out of hand. Also the W girl shoved her into the rail and should have sprained her ankle if she stepped on it.

[@alanoffer]

Well done girls , great dig at the end

[@tandersb]

Washington initiated contact from 125m out, trying to elbow around Providence.

[@markmapp6383]

All legal...

[@billlewis8711]

@@markmapp6383 Like crap it is! It's not legal to impede another runner's path & space particularly when you're trying to cut in front of them & run them off the track.

[@eliteelite7428]

Such unsportsmanlike behaviour from the last anchor changing lane and trying to block her opponent. Karma ,and she dropped her baton😂😂😂😂

[@matteocucchiara]

Perfectly fine tactic by the lead runner.

[@zk4761]

I'm shocked that Stanford doesn't have the national 4x800m record. You have 2 women who can run 2 minutes in their sleep. All they need are 2 that can be faster than 2:08 each.

[@stealthhumor]

Play it at half-speed and you will see that the Washington runner knocked the baton from Rhode Island's runner's hand. There was no crowding and it should have been called a foul. The coverage of this once-in-a-generation event was awful.

[@jorad4887]

Dropping the baton has its advantages in running no doubt about it, but she had the victory in her hands and let it slip away

[@2008alberta]

so, was the winner overturned upon review?or did they even review it?

[@dennisfitzgerald4255]

Having run relays in many venues the first thing one learns is you have to have control of the baton... She had ample time to change hands... Her failure to do so cost her team dearly...

[@sunny7565]

Can the baton be kept in a runner's left bra...to prevent dropping? just wondering...

[@danielblea3520]

I see a lot of comments about one runner going into another lane...there are no lane assignments during this race. Providence was ahead and has the right to move as she sees fit. The washington runner nearly bumped her off the track, she was simply taking some space away from the rail so that could run freely

[@HawksDiesel]

@10:23 left person knocks baton out of right persons hand on their upswing.

[@BWcapture]

Seems like the baton was knocked out of her hand probably not intentionally but she was moving to outside lane to block the other runner when it happened, so yeah Providence should be disqualified as they were.

[@mstrunn]

@BWcapture She didn't block her the Official would have called it she forced her to go outside to make her work harder.

[@matteocucchiara]

@@mstrunn Its called tactical running. The leader can take any line she wishes.

[@joep3525]

The Providence runner drifted to her right, the finish would have been contested anyway, as it appeared she was trying to box the other runner out. I don't understand the comments about the baton being in the wrong hand. Right before she dropped the stick, it looked like she broke her wrist, which tells me she forgot she was holding a baton and that's what caused her to drop it. I know it must have been devastating, but the Providence girls will have a story they will tell, the rest of their lives.

[@donalowens4117]

I have no bias here but pause at 10:14 (it's at 8:01:0 on the race clock) and you'll see the WS runner is way too close to the Providence runner to pass fairly. She's only about in the middle of the inside lane! It had started quite a bit earlier too. Feel bad for the Providence athlete, tbh. When you're on the inside like that and you get chopped off........

[@cjspyker]

nothing happened from that contact and they were able to reach the straight away so it's kind of pointless to talk about it

[@stanogrady893]

Helluva race. Sad ending but exciting

[@nishali3343]

Why don't they do a team pursuit for this type of relays, just like they do for indoor bikes, 4 teams, 2 teams in 2 lanes and the other 2 teams at the opposite end, no more chaos for baton exchange.

[@IRex-wm9pd]

dont know that Foerster knocked the baton out of Flockhart's hand but she may have impeded her on the curve before that. so potentially this could have been two DQs for separate reasons and Duke could have backed into the win from third place...

[@williamverhoef4349]

"dont know that Foerster knocked the baton out of Flockhart's hand" Watch at 10:23 either at 0.25 speed or using the "," and "." keys to move backwards and forwards frame by frame. Foerter's fist makes (what looks like accidental) contact with the top of Flockhart's baton. "potentially this could have been two DQs for separate reasons and Duke could have backed into the win from third place..." Good point.

[@robp3431]

What a race !!!

[@paulkelly6302]

Did Washington knock the baton out. There definitely was contact by Washington runner.

[@kevin87625]

Did the result stand?

[@philgc11111]

Well that's one way to win, just knock it out of the hand....

[@A-FrameWedge]

The Washington runner on the last turn bumped the Providence runner even though she was as far to left on the inside as she could go, yes the Providence runner came out but she was ahead at that point.

[@rodbrown8306]

Washington girls are awesome!

[@aCycloneSteve]

Yes, it's great that they won even though they finished second.

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

What a comeback from that far behind - that shows psychological confidence for sure

[@aCycloneSteve]

@@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st Yes, if you have psychological confidence you can run the second fastest time. 🙂

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

@@aCycloneSteve You are in troll mode - but I thought the team that came back won ? that would be the fastest time right ? or did the Baton dropper finish first but dropped the baton ? confused in Freedomland

[@michaelkendall662]

@@aCycloneSteve you do not finish a "relay" race if you do not carry the baton to the finish.....sorry TROLL

[@don7294]

The real problem with the race was the third leg runner for Providence. She was terrible and gave up a huge lead and gave the race to Washington. If you don't have a firm grip on the baton you gotta run with the baton in your left hand if there is a runner near you on the outside. With that slight unintentional contact the Providence runner should have never dropped the baton. The providence runer did drift into the Washington's runner lane, which could have been an infraction.

[@matteocucchiara]

No lane assignments - Washington runner, as the second place runner, did not own the lane.

[@profd65]

@@matteocucchiara The Providence runner veered into the Washington runner, genius. She initiated the contact that knocked out the baton.

[@theivory1]

I don't think the Washington runner wanted to knock the baton way, but she did.

[@2011Cape]

Is it too difficult to switch baton hands so it’s away from the competitor?

[@matteocucchiara]

Yes. It is very difficult to switch hands at the end of an all out race. More races were lost from a dropped baton caused by trying to change hands than not.

[@2011Cape]

@@matteocucchiara Ah, Ok, thanks!

[@AdHocAtom]

Okay, I see now, when the baton dropped the Washington runner was in the second lane and the Prov runner swung that turn way too wide. Fair enough outcome after better understanding what happened.

[@JaydenLawson]

Washington knocked it out - Providence wins. Providence runner slowed down because of it also!

[@katis999]

These women can run!!

[@AaronHawley]

10:22 what?

[@infotainment999]

you can tell washington knew she hit the baton BUT providence push into her lane to cut her off

[@SandmanUSAFA]

So does Washington get any penalty for contact, knocking the baton out of the hand of the girl from Providence? Or is combat-relay just part of the fight?

[@annasdad8008]

The judges make that decision. Incidental contact is not grounds for disqualification. At this level of competition that amount of contact would be judged as incidental.

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

There was a contact between two runners , 😮

[@profd65]

Contact created by the Providence runner, who veered toward the Washington runner.

[@megansaber9326]

this race is crazy

[@aislinnkeilah7361]

it seemed the Washington runner initially was making illegal contact with the Providence runner by pushing her to the rail. It appears baton was knocked out by contact so Providence should have been judged winner if contact was initiated by Washington.

[@dave47663]

100%, the runner hit the baton with her hand which twisted it out of the other runners hand. That's significant. That said, the inside runner should have switched hands.

[@paulclarke7571]

She could have run back and got the baton. She may have taken 3rd or 4th in the end. You can retrieve the baton as it is their own leg of the race. So long as you don't interfere with another runner there is no lane violation in this type of race.

[@marshamight8581]

Where’s the chaos in the title of this vid? Looks entirely orderly to me including the Prov anchor not having any reaction if indeed the other runner bumped her. She was in the best position to know what happened.

[@brotherofiam]

She realized immediately that she lost the baton. You can see it on the expression on her face. Finishing first, although disqualified, was the way to go.

[@jamesheuer5139]

I feel so bad for the Providence girl! Shit happens! For the rest of her life, she’ll tell this story!😢😢

[@srmatte1]

played back in slow motion it looks like it was knocked out of her hand