ROAD TO RIO

IN THE FINAL PART OF OUR SERIES, STEVE SMYTHE LOOKS AT THE HISTORY OF EVENTS AT THE OLYMPICS – AND THIS WEEK WE CONCLUDE WITH THE MEN’S RELAYS

MARK SHEARMAN

Garry Cook takes the baton from Kriss Akabusi in LA 1984 as they combined with Todd Bennett and Phil Brown to win silver behind the United States

MARK SHEARMAN

OLYMPIC RECORD

4x100: 36.84 JAM 2012

4x400: 2:55.39 USA 2008

MEN’S RELAYS – RIO FORM GUIDE

JAMAICA will start in the former Brazilian capital as big favourites, having dominated the last two Olympics and the last four World Championships. They won in Moscow unopposed and in London set the world record of 36.84, although Nesta Carter’s drug test result could scupper that record and title.

USA beat them in the IAAF Relays last year but fouled up in Moscow. They have a squad to seemingly match the Jamaicans but seem to lack the team spirit.

If they get the baton round sagely in heats and finals, they shouldn’t do worse than second.

The likely battle for third is wide open. Former champions Britain have a good chance, as do world silver medallists China, who should have a well-drilled squad.

Canada, Germany, Japan, France and Trinidad and Tobago look capable of times in the low-38s, which always suffices for a medal.

At the 4x400m, USA lost the last Olympics to an inspired Bahamas but they will start big favourites even though, apart from LaShawn Merritt, their one-lap runners haven’t sparkled so far in 2016.

Jamaica should have one of the strongest squads in Rio and should win a medal, though their long relay runners rarely deliver.

Trinidad and Tobago were second in Beijing while Britain edged Jamaica for the bronze and they traditionally are in the fight for the medals, though they will need better form from their regulars.

Grenada have Kirani James and Bralon Taplin in the world top five at the moment but lack back up and Botswana, with Isaac Makwala and 44.22 man Baboloki Thebe and two sub-46 men, should be a factor.

Belgium, with the three Borlee brothers should also be in the mix while South Africa, with Wayde van Niekerk, are also medal threats. France, Brazil, Poland and Cuba are other potential finalists.