The Men's 4 x 400 metres relay event at the 2008 Summer Olympics

2008 Summer Olympics

The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...

 took place on 22 and 23 August at the Beijing National Stadium

Beijing National Stadium

Beijing National Stadium, also known officially as the National Stadium, or colloquially as the Bird's Nest , is a stadium in Beijing, China. The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.-History:...

.

There were 16 NOCs

National Olympic Committee

National Olympic Committees are the national constituents of the worldwide Olympic movement. Subject to the controls of the International Olympic Committee, they are responsible for organizing their people's participation in the Olympic Games...

 competing at this event. These 16 NOCs were selected by the average of the two best marks at the qualifying period. The final was won by the United States

United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics

The United States competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. American athletes have competed in every Summer Olympic Games since the 1896 Summer Olympics except the 1980 Summer Olympics, which the U.S. boycotted. The United States entered the Games as the most successful nation in...

 in the new Olympic record time 2:55.39.

Medalists

' LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt is an American track and field athlete who competes in sprinting events, specializing in the 400 meters. He is the reigning Olympic champion over the distance and his personal best of 43.75 seconds makes him the fifth fastest of all time... Angelo Taylor Angelo Taylor Angelo F. Taylor is an American athlete, winner of 400 m hurdles at the 2000 and 2008 Summer Olympics.... David Neville David Neville (athlete) David Neville is an American sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters and two-time medalist in the Summer Olympics... Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Mathew Wariner is an American track athlete specializing in the 400 meters. He has won four Olympic medals and six World Championships medals... Kerron Clement Kerron Clement Kerron Stephon Clement is Trinidadian-born track and field athlete who represents the United States and specializes in the 400-meter hurdles... * Reggie Witherspoon*

' Andretti Bain Andretti Bain Andretti Bain is a Bahamian sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. He was born in NassauBain finished fifth in 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2004 World Indoor Championships, together with teammates Chris Brown, Timothy Munnings and Dennis Darling.He was the NCAA Indoor Champion at 400m in 2008... Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu is a Bahamian sprinter specializing in 200m and 400m. He was part of The Bahamas silver-medal winning team in the men's 4x400m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics running second leg and recording a 44.0 split. He was also apart of the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Osaka 4x400... Andrae Williams Andrae Williams Andrae Williams is a Bahamian athlete.-2004:In the 2004 Olympic Games, Williams was a member of the Bahamian 4 x 400 metres relay team that finished 6th.-2005:... Chris Brown Avard Moncur Avard Moncur Avard Moncur is a Bahamian athlete competing in the 400 metres. He was born in Nassau.Moncur's most successful year came in 2001 when he won the gold medal in the 400m and the 4x400m relay at the 2001 World Championships... * Ramon Miller Ramon Miller Ramon Miller is a Bahamian sprinter. He was part of the Bahamas' silver-medal winning team in the men's 4x400m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, after running in the heats.... *

' Maksim Dyldin Maksim Dyldin Maksim Sergeyevich Dyldin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Yuryevich Frolov is a Russian sprint athlete.He won the silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, running a personal best of 45.09 s.... Anton Kokorin Anton Kokorin Anton Sergeyevich Kokorin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... Denis Alekseyev Denis Alekseyev Denis Sergeyevich Alekseyev is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*...

* Runners who participated in the heats only and received medals.

Records

Prior to this competition, the existing world and Olympic records were as follows.
The following Olympic record was set during this competition.

Date	Event	Name	Nationality	Time	OR	WR
23 August	Final	LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt is an American track and field athlete who competes in sprinting events, specializing in the 400 meters. He is the reigning Olympic champion over the distance and his personal best of 43.75 seconds makes him the fifth fastest of all time... Angelo Taylor Angelo Taylor Angelo F. Taylor is an American athlete, winner of 400 m hurdles at the 2000 and 2008 Summer Olympics.... David Neville David Neville (athlete) David Neville is an American sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters and two-time medalist in the Summer Olympics... Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Mathew Wariner is an American track athlete specializing in the 400 meters. He has won four Olympic medals and six World Championships medals...		2:55.39	OR

Qualification summary

Pos	NOC	2 races		1	2
		Total	Average
1		5:54.74	2:57.37	2:55.56	2:59.18
2		5:59.55	2:59.78	2:59.18	3:00.37
3		6:01.20	3:00.60	3:00.44	3:00.76
4		6:01.75	3:00.87	3:00.05	3:01.70
5		6:02.69	3:01.34	3:01.07	3:01.62
6		6:03.14	3:01.57	3:01.22	3:01.92
7		6:03.98	3:01.99	3:01.77	3:02.21
8		6:04.05	3:02.03	3:01.52	3:02.53
9		6:04.64	3:02.32	3:02.13	3:02.51
10		6:04.97	3:02.48	3:02.48	3:02.49
11		6:05.20	3:02.60	3:02.44	3:02.76
12		6:05.32	3:02.66	3:02.10	3:03.22
13		6:05.98	3:02.99	3:02.33	3:03.65
14		6:06.52	3:03.26	3:02.92	3:03.60
15		6:07.86	3:03.93	3:02.21	3:05.65
16		6:08.24	3:04.12	3:03.58	3:04.66
Reserves
17		6:08.77	3:04.38	3:03.66	3:05.11
18		6:09.12	3:04.56	3:03.16	3:05.96
19		6:09.14	3:04.57	3:04.43	3:04.71
20		6:09.51	3:04.76	3:04.36	3:05.15

Results

All times shown are in seconds.

• Q denotes automatic qualification.
• q denotes fastest losers.
• DNS denotes did not start.
• DNF denotes did not finish.
• DQ denotes disqualified
• AR denotes area record.
• NR denotes national record.
• PB denotes personal best.
• SB denotes season's best.

Round 1

First 3 in each heat(Q) and the next 2 fastest(q) advance to the Final.

Heat	Lane	Nation	Competitors	Time	Notes
2	5		Andrew Steele Andrew Steele Andrew Steele is a British 400 metres and 4x400 m relay runner in athletics.He was educated at St. Bede's College, Manchester, UK. He is the son of Dr. Chris Steele MBE, the resident health expert on ITV's This Morning.In 2008 Andrew competed in his first Olympic Games – Beijing 2008... , Robert Tobin Robert Tobin Robert "Rob" John Tobin is an English sprinter. He currently has a PB in the 400 m of 45.01 seconds.-Personal life:... , Michael Bingham Michael Bingham Michael Bingham is a British 400 m athlete. He is managed by Michael Johnson.He is one of five children born to British citizen Norris Bingham and his wife Mollissie in Sylva, North Carolina. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, attending The McCallie School... , Martyn Rooney Martyn Rooney Martyn Joseph Rooney is an English sprinter who specialises in the 400 metres event. He reached the 400 m final at the 2008 Summer Olympics and also finished fourth in the 4×400 metres relay. At the 2009 World Championships in Athletics he won a silver medal with the Great Britain relay team...	2:59.33	Q, SB
2	3		Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu is a Bahamian sprinter specializing in 200m and 400m. He was part of The Bahamas silver-medal winning team in the men's 4x400m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics running second leg and recording a 44.0 split. He was also apart of the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Osaka 4x400... , Avard Moncur Avard Moncur Avard Moncur is a Bahamian athlete competing in the 400 metres. He was born in Nassau.Moncur's most successful year came in 2001 when he won the gold medal in the 400m and the 4x400m relay at the 2001 World Championships... , Ramon Miller Ramon Miller Ramon Miller is a Bahamian sprinter. He was part of the Bahamas' silver-medal winning team in the men's 4x400m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, after running in the heats.... , Andrae Williams Andrae Williams Andrae Williams is a Bahamian athlete.-2004:In the 2004 Olympic Games, Williams was a member of the Bahamian 4 x 400 metres relay team that finished 6th.-2005:...	2:59.88	Q, SB
1	3		David Neville David Neville (athlete) David Neville is an American sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters and two-time medalist in the Summer Olympics... , Kerron Clement Kerron Clement Kerron Stephon Clement is Trinidadian-born track and field athlete who represents the United States and specializes in the 400-meter hurdles... , Reggie Witherspoon, Angelo Taylor Angelo Taylor Angelo F. Taylor is an American athlete, winner of 400 m hurdles at the 2000 and 2008 Summer Olympics....	2:59.98	Q
2	7		Michael Blackwood Michael Blackwood Michael Blackwood is a male track and field athlete from Jamaica, who specializes in 400 Metres, his personal best being 44.60 set in Madrid in 2002. He is the brother of Catherine Scott.-Achievements:... , Alodin Fothergill, Sanjay Ayre Sanjay Ayre Sanjay Claude Ayre is a world-class Jamaican sprinter specializing in the 400 meters.Puma North America Signed Ayre to an undisclosed record 3 year contract in June 2003. Together with Brandon Simpson, Lansford Spence and Davian Clarke he won a bronze medal in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2005... , Ricardo Chambers Ricardo Chambers Ricardo Chambers is a Jamaican track and field athlete who specialises in the 400 metres.Hailing from Trelawny Parish in Jamaica, he moved to the United States to study on a sports scholarship at Florida State University...	3:00.09	Q, SB
1	9		Maksim Dyldin Maksim Dyldin Maksim Sergeyevich Dyldin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... , Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Yuryevich Frolov is a Russian sprint athlete.He won the silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, running a personal best of 45.09 s.... , Anton Kokorin Anton Kokorin Anton Sergeyevich Kokorin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... , Denis Alexeev	3:00.14	Q, NR
1	6		Cédric Van Branteghem Cédric Van Branteghem Cédric Marie Carlos Thérèse Van Branteghem is a Belgian sprinter, who specializes in the 400 metres.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*100 metres - 10.54 s *200 metres - 20.60 s *400 metres - 45.02 s... , Jonathan Borlée, Arnaud Ghislain, Kévin Borlée Kevin Borlée Kevin Borlée is a Belgian sprinter, who specializes in the 400 metres. He was a semi-finalist at both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, and is the current European Champion on this distance....	3:00.67	Q, NR
1	8		Joel Milburn Joel Milburn Joel Milburn is an Australian athlete whose specialist distance is 400 metres.He was selected for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where he made the semi-finals of the individual 400 metre competition and was hoping to help Australia repeat its 4 x 400 metre medal winning performance from the... , Mark Ormrod Mark Ormrod Mark Ormrod is an Australian athlete. He originally played soccer, but quit the sport to start a career in athletics, his special distance being 400 Metres. He attended Adelaide private school Pedare Christian College... , John Steffensen John Steffensen John William Steffensen is an Australian athlete, who specialises in 200 and 400 metres. His personal bests are 20.79 and 44.73.... , Clinton Hill Clinton Hill (athlete) Clinton Hill is an Australian athlete. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, his family moved to Australia in 1997. He became an Australian citizen in June 2000 and was selected for the national 400 metres team....	3:00.68	q, SB
1	7		Marek Plawgo Marek Plawgo Marek Plawgo is a Polish athlete. He mainly competes in the 400 meters hurdles, but he also starts in the 400 meters and the 4x400 meters relay.... , Piotr Klimczak Piotr Klimczak Piotr Klimczak is a Polish sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.-Achievements:-References:... , Piotr Kędzia, Rafał Wieruszewski	3:00.74	q, SB
1	5		Pieter Smith, Ofentse Mogawane Ofentse Mogawane Ofentse Mogawane is a South African sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.He finished sixth in the 2006 African Championships. He also competed at the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games without reaching the finals.In 2007 Mogawane was found guilty of methylprednisolone... , Alwyn Myburgh Alwyn Myburgh Alwyn Myburgh is a South African hurdler.His personal best time is 48.09 seconds, achieved at the 2001 Summer Universiade in Beijing.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*100 metres - 10.66 s... , L.J. van Zyl	3:01.26	SB
1	4		Yunier Perez, Yunior Díaz Yunior Díaz Yunior Díaz is a Cuban track and field athlete who specialises in the decathlon. He represented Cuba at the 2008 Summer Olympics and also at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics... , William Collazo William Collazo William Collazo is a Cuban sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.He won a bronze medal in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2005 Central American and Caribbean Championships... , Omar Cisneros Omar Cisneros Omar Cisneros Bonora is a Cuban track and field athlete who competes in the 400 metres hurdles. He is the Cuban national record holder for the event with his personal best of 47.99 seconds...	3:02.24
1	2		Teddy Venel Teddy Venel Teddy Venel is a French athlete who specialises in the 400 meters. Venel competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics.- References :... , Ydrissa Mbarke, Brice Panel, Richard Maunier Richard Maunier Richard Maunier is a French athlete who specialises in the 400 meters. Maunier competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics. -External links:*...	3:03.19
2	6		Simon Kirch, Kamghe Gaba Kamghe Gaba Kamghe Gaba is a German sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. He represents LG Eintracht Frankfurt.As a teenager he competed in combined events, finishing fifth in octathlon at the 2001 World Youth Championships in Debrecen.In 2006 he ran in a personal best of 45.47 seconds as he became... , Ruwen Faller Ruwen Faller Ruwen Faller is a German sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.His personal best time is 45.74 seconds, achieved in July 1999 in Erfurt.-Achievements:-References:... , Bastian Swillims Bastian Swillims Bastian Swillims is a German sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.His personal best time is 45.44 seconds, achieved in August 2007 in Osaka.- Achievements :- External links :...	3:03.49
2	2		Ato Modibo Ato Modibo Ato Stephens is a sprinter from Trinidad and Tobago who specialises in the 400 metres. He won a bronze medal at the 2003 CAC Championships, and took the silver at the 2005 edition... , Jovon Toppin, Cowin Mills, Stann Waithe	3:04.12	=SB
2	4		Mitsuhiro Abiko, Dai Tamesue Dai Tamesue is an Japanese athlete, competing mainly in 400 m hurdles but also 400 m.Tamesue won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton, setting a new personal best of 47.89 which still stands, and won another bronze medal at the 2002 Asian Games. He finished third again at the 2005 World... , Yoshihiro Horigome Yoshihiro Horigome is a Japanese sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.His personal best time is 45.77 seconds, achieved in September 2006 in Yokohama.-Achievements:-References:... , Kenji Narisako Kenji Narisako is a Japanese hurdler.He won the bronze medal at the 2001 World Youth Championships, and the gold medals at the 2005 Summer Universiade and the 2006 Asian Games...	3:04.18	SB
2	9		Stylianos Dimotsios, Dimitrios Gravalos, Pantelis Melachroinoudis, Konstantinos Anastasiou	3:04.30	SB
2	8		Carlos Yohelin Santa, Arismendy Peguero Arismendy Peguero Arismendy Peguero Thicket is a sprinter from the Dominican Republic who specializes in the 400 metres. He was born in La Romana.... , Pedro Mejia, Yoel Tapia	3:04.31	SB

Final

Rank	Lane	Nation	Competitors	Time	Notes
	7		LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt LaShawn Merritt is an American track and field athlete who competes in sprinting events, specializing in the 400 meters. He is the reigning Olympic champion over the distance and his personal best of 43.75 seconds makes him the fifth fastest of all time... , Angelo Taylor Angelo Taylor Angelo F. Taylor is an American athlete, winner of 400 m hurdles at the 2000 and 2008 Summer Olympics.... , David Neville David Neville (athlete) David Neville is an American sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters and two-time medalist in the Summer Olympics... , Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Wariner Jeremy Mathew Wariner is an American track athlete specializing in the 400 meters. He has won four Olympic medals and six World Championships medals...	2:55.39
	5		Andretti Bain Andretti Bain Andretti Bain is a Bahamian sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. He was born in NassauBain finished fifth in 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2004 World Indoor Championships, together with teammates Chris Brown, Timothy Munnings and Dennis Darling.He was the NCAA Indoor Champion at 400m in 2008... , Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu Michael Mathieu is a Bahamian sprinter specializing in 200m and 400m. He was part of The Bahamas silver-medal winning team in the men's 4x400m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics running second leg and recording a 44.0 split. He was also apart of the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Osaka 4x400... , Andrae Williams Andrae Williams Andrae Williams is a Bahamian athlete.-2004:In the 2004 Olympic Games, Williams was a member of the Bahamian 4 x 400 metres relay team that finished 6th.-2005:... , Chris Brown	2:57.03	SB
	4		Maksim Dyldin Maksim Dyldin Maksim Sergeyevich Dyldin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... , Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Frolov Vladislav Yuryevich Frolov is a Russian sprint athlete.He won the silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, running a personal best of 45.09 s.... , Anton Kokorin Anton Kokorin Anton Sergeyevich Kokorin is a Russian sprint athlete.-External links:*... , Denis Alexeev	2:57.81	NR
	6		Andrew Steele Andrew Steele Andrew Steele is a British 400 metres and 4x400 m relay runner in athletics.He was educated at St. Bede's College, Manchester, UK. He is the son of Dr. Chris Steele MBE, the resident health expert on ITV's This Morning.In 2008 Andrew competed in his first Olympic Games – Beijing 2008... , Robert Tobin Robert Tobin Robert "Rob" John Tobin is an English sprinter. He currently has a PB in the 400 m of 45.01 seconds.-Personal life:... , Michael Bingham Michael Bingham Michael Bingham is a British 400 m athlete. He is managed by Michael Johnson.He is one of five children born to British citizen Norris Bingham and his wife Mollissie in Sylva, North Carolina. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, attending The McCallie School... , Martyn Rooney Martyn Rooney Martyn Joseph Rooney is an English sprinter who specialises in the 400 metres event. He reached the 400 m final at the 2008 Summer Olympics and also finished fourth in the 4×400 metres relay. At the 2009 World Championships in Athletics he won a silver medal with the Great Britain relay team...	2:57.81	SB
5	8		Kévin Borlée Kevin Borlée Kevin Borlée is a Belgian sprinter, who specializes in the 400 metres. He was a semi-finalist at both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, and is the current European Champion on this distance.... , Jonathan Borlée, Cédric Van Branteghem Cédric Van Branteghem Cédric Marie Carlos Thérèse Van Branteghem is a Belgian sprinter, who specializes in the 400 metres.-Achievements:-Personal bests:*100 metres - 10.54 s *200 metres - 20.60 s *400 metres - 45.02 s... , Arnaud Ghislain	2:58.37	NR
6	2		Sean Wroe Sean Wroe Sean Wroe is an Australian sprinter. His personal best in the men's 400 metres is 45.17 .... , John Steffensen John Steffensen John William Steffensen is an Australian athlete, who specialises in 200 and 400 metres. His personal bests are 20.79 and 44.73.... , Clinton Hill Clinton Hill (athlete) Clinton Hill is an Australian athlete. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, his family moved to Australia in 1997. He became an Australian citizen in June 2000 and was selected for the national 400 metres team.... , Joel Milburn Joel Milburn Joel Milburn is an Australian athlete whose specialist distance is 400 metres.He was selected for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where he made the semi-finals of the individual 400 metre competition and was hoping to help Australia repeat its 4 x 400 metre medal winning performance from the...	2:59.02	SB
7	3		Rafał Wieruszewski, Piotr Klimczak Piotr Klimczak Piotr Klimczak is a Polish sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres.-Achievements:-References:... , Piotr Kędzia, Marek Plawgo Marek Plawgo Marek Plawgo is a Polish athlete. He mainly competes in the 400 meters hurdles, but he also starts in the 400 meters and the 4x400 meters relay....	2:59.32	SB
8	9		Michael Blackwood Michael Blackwood Michael Blackwood is a male track and field athlete from Jamaica, who specializes in 400 Metres, his personal best being 44.60 set in Madrid in 2002. He is the brother of Catherine Scott.-Achievements:... , Ricardo Chambers Ricardo Chambers Ricardo Chambers is a Jamaican track and field athlete who specialises in the 400 metres.Hailing from Trelawny Parish in Jamaica, he moved to the United States to study on a sports scholarship at Florida State University... , Sanjay Ayre Sanjay Ayre Sanjay Claude Ayre is a world-class Jamaican sprinter specializing in the 400 meters.Puma North America Signed Ayre to an undisclosed record 3 year contract in June 2003. Together with Brandon Simpson, Lansford Spence and Davian Clarke he won a bronze medal in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2005... , Lanceford Spence	3:00.45