TOKYO: Poland scored an upset win in the inaugural Olympic 4×400 metres mixed relay today, with Dominican Republic picking up silver and the US winning bronze.
The Polish team, comprised of Karol Zalewski, Natalia Kaczmarek, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Kajetan Duszynski, put on a gutsy performance inside the fan-free Olympic Stadium after posting the fastest time in yesterday’s heats.
It was the first Olympic medal for all four teammates, who cheered and embraced as anchor leg runner Duszynski crossed the finish line in a time of 3:9.87s.
The US were the favourites after winning the event at the 2019 World Championships but almost did not make the final after they were disqualified for exchanging the baton outside the changeover zone in yesterday’s first round.
Organisers later reinstated them, citing an official’s error.