1928-2012
WHILE the 4x400m would have to wait 44 more years, the 4x100m debuted in Amsterdam in 1928 along with the other first women’s events.
With the second and third from the individual race, Canada proved too strong for the Americans and they won easily in 48.4 as the first four bettered the previous mark of 49.8.
That mark stayed as the record until Los Angeles in 1932 when again the first four broke the old record.
It was closer this time, though, as USA edged Canada with 46.9 to their rival’s 47.0.
In Berlin in 1936, the hosts were big favourites and they improved their own world record of 46.5 to 46.4 in the heats.
Watched by Adolf Hitler, they were well clear in the final at the last changeover, but their anchor, Ilse Dorlfedt, dropped the baton.
USA, with 1928 100m champion Elizabeth Robinson in the team, won the gold medal with the same winning time as four years earlier.
Seoul 1988: Russia vs USA in the 4x400m
Twelve years later, the Germans’ heat time remained the world and Olympic record and it wasn’t even remotely challenged in London in 1948.
Taking the baton in fourth place, Netherlands’ Fanny Blankers-Koen burst through to win her fourth gold medal of the Games in a time of 47.5.
READ MORE
Purchase options below
Find the complete article and many more in this issue of
AW - The best coverage of the No.1 Olympic sport
-
09/06/2016
If you own the issue,
Login to read the full article now.
|
Single Issue - 09/06/2016
|
|
|
$5.99
Or 599 points
|
|
|
Annual Digital Subscription
Only $
1.44 per issue
|
SAVE
76%
|
|
|
|
|
6 Month Digital Subscription
Only $
2.24 per issue
|
SAVE
63%
|
|
$55.99
Or 5599 points
|
|
|
Monthly Digital Subscription
Only $
2.40 per issue
|
SAVE
58%
|
|
$9.99
Or 999 points
|
|
|
About AW - The best coverage of the No.1 Olympic sport
THE BIG INTERVIEW
16 SEREN BUNDY-DAVIES
The Trafford athlete on her late rise to the top
of British women’s one-lap running
SPOTLIGHT
20 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
British 200m record-holder John Regis on his
life now as an athlete manager
24 ALAN PERKINS
Catching up with the 1958 National champion
NEWS
6 Martyn Rooney allowed Euro 400m defence
8 Greg Rutherford on his jumping garden party
9 Perri Shakes-Drayton back in action
12 Emily Diamond: ‘why I switched from tennis’
STATISTICS
30 ROAD TO RIO
The in-depth history of the women’s relays at
the Olympic Games
PERFORMANCE
32 Sports science news
34 Why athletes are at great risk of skin cancer
36 Finishing speed in the middle-distance events
38 Product reviews – colourful kit
TALKING POINT
26 Understanding how athletics is viewed
is key to its increased success
ACTION
44 BIRMINGHAM GRAND PRIX
Mo Farah sets UK record, while David
Rudisha and Asbel Kiprop are also in form
52 ROME DIAMOND LEAGUE
Almaz Ayana clocks the second quickest ever
5000m as Greg Rutherford also takes win
RESULTS & FIXTURES
56 Results, including national league action
72 Oslo Diamond League preview
75 Comprehensive fixtures guide
REGULARS
40 YOUR SAY
42 YOUNG ATHLETE
78 QUIZ CORNER
82 DIP FINISH