The 2024 World Athletics Relays brought an electrifying spectacle to the world of track and field during its two-day run from May 4th & 5th, 2024. With the Paris Olympics just 81 days away, the competition was fierce, as Olympic quota spots for Paris 2024 were up for grabs. The top 14 teams in the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, as well as the mixed 4x400m relay, secured spots for the upcoming Olympic Games.

While teams that competed in the Sunday, May 5 finals secured quota spots for the Paris Olympics, additional heat rounds were conducted, granting 14 more spots to teams in each discipline. However, amidst the excitement and allure, drama unfolded in Heat 4 of the women’s 4x100m relay, threatening the disqualification of an entire team. Luck was on their side, but a US legend sparked a debate amongst fans over this near-disqualification.

US track and field Olympian sparks debate over disqualification ahead of the Paris Olympics

During Heat 4 of the women’s 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relay Championships, former Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson addressed a false start by a Cuban relay athlete. The Cuban team, consisting of Laura Moreira, Jocelyn Loreta Echazabal, Yarima García, and Yunisleidy García Abreu, faced a setback when García Abreu did not finish her part of the relay, resulting in a Did Not Finish (DNF).

In a post on X, Johnson stated, “I believe rules should be enforced. And that Cuban 4×1 relay athlete false started.” However, he also expressed sympathy, admitting that he didn’t want her to be disqualified. The incident occurred during the competition in the Bahamas on Saturday, May 4th. Despite the false start and inability to finish the race, the Cuban team was allowed to stay in. According to the World Athletics Hub, the athlete responsible for the false start even attempted to walk off the track, admitting defeat.

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In the Heat 4, Great Britain finished first with a time of 42.33 seconds, while the Netherlands finished second with a time of 42.88 seconds. Both teams secured their places in the Paris Olympics by finishing in the top two positions in this heat. As we reflect on Michael Johnson’s sentiment, let’s explore how the track and field community reacted to his opinion on not disqualifying a false start.

What do the fans feel about Michael Johnson’s opinion?

Countless fans shared their opinions below Michael Johnson’s post regarding the false start by the Cuban athlete in Heat 4 of the women’s 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024. One track and field fan suggested to implement a penalty for false starts that doesn’t result in immediate disqualification.

Instead of disqualifying the team for a false start, the proposal is to move their starting blocks back by a meter or two and allow them to restart the race. This way, the team would face a penalty for the false start but would still have the opportunity to compete in the race.

Another fan shared their opinion that the rule regarding false starts in track and field is outdated and unnecessary. They believe it’s one of the worst rules in sports. Essentially, they felt that penalizing an entire team for a false start is unfair and needs to be reconsidered.

Another person shared empathy for the athletes, emphasizing the significance of the Olympic dream. They felt that disqualifying the entire team for a false start would have been a very sad outcome. They highlighted the emotional impact of such a decision on the athletes who have worked hard to pursue their Olympic dreams.

Another fan even believed that the officials were partly to blame because they felt the officials held the athletes in the “on your mark” position for too long. They believed this extended period of waiting contributed to the false start.

Given the overwhelming support for not disqualifying athletes due to a false start, what are your thoughts on the situation? Please comment below!