Chinese Netizens Fury Over Outrageous US Women's Solo Run in Relay Heats

2016/08/19

Chen Xiaoli

The United States controversially qualified for the women's 4x100m relay final at the Rio Olympics, recording the fastest time in the semifinals after being granted a re-run and competing alone. The result meant China missed out on the final next day after qualifying eighth fastest, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The reigning Olympic champion dropped the baton during the second exchange between Allyson Felix and English Gardner in the second heat.

The Americans protested, claiming Brazilian Franciela Krasucki bumped Felix before the handover.

Race officials then ruled that the Americans must run again, in a highly unusual solo-flying lap -- to beat China's eighth fastest qualifying time of 42.70sec.

Most of the American netizens were happy at this unusual development. A netizen called silkkyfingazz said, "It was a fair and just decision. Fair is fair if it was Jamaica we would have wanted the same opportunity. Justice has been done. Well done by the IOC."

A netizen from Colorado said, "Trying not to be biased. I think the officials got this one right."

A netizen from Hawaii also commented, "She was bumped. Glad they got the redo."

But one poster from Illinois saw it differently. "Do you believe any other country would get a second chance in this situation? Especially Russians? US would be screaming 'bloody murder' first. Hypocrites!"

However, the decision angered Chinese officials and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) dismissed their protest.

Chinese athlete Liang Xiaojing questioned, "Where is the pure sport?"

CCTV commentator Yang Jian said on Weibo, "The decision was made against the regularity in relay races and even in all athletic contests."

Chinese social media users were outraged by the development.

One of them said: “The US team shouldn't re-run, but Brazil should be disqualified. Otherwise, all the teams should compete again and not just the US alone. What a weird competition!”

“Take pity on our girls. Be strong!”

“The Olympic spirit disappeared. So sad!”

“This is an insult to the athletes. It's unfair!”

Chinese Athletics Team also said on its official Weibo account, "We refuse to accept the result, but we obey the rules. That is the tolerance of Chinese track and field athletes! Cheer up, Chinese team, Chinese athletics. Girls, we feel proud of you!" It also posted a picture saying, "We don't re-run, but we'll re-start. See you in Tokyo!"

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Chinese Netizens Fury Over Outrageous US Women's Solo Run in Relay Heats

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