AW collaboration
There is not an Olympic discipline that does not come with its challenges. Years, often a lifetime of training goes into preparing for the pinnacle of athletic competition, for performances that could change an individual’s career. Regardless of the discipline, countless hours have to be spent in the gym, on the track, in the field, in the pool, on the skatepark, but there are intricacies to be honed within each discipline that separate the great from the good. In the case of 4x100m sprinting, there is a lot more than meets the eye on the track itself.
Teamwork and responsibility
These races are often over in the blink of an eye, so we forgive you for focusing on the sprinting itself. But there is a lot more work that goes on in the background to ensure that the team is pulling in the same direction and even doing the right things to bring home a gold medal. The mental aspect is just as valuable as the physical one, and coaches have a huge role in fostering a positive, healthy atmosphere within the relay team to ensure that the quartet is operating as a team.
There is also individual responsibility on and off the track. It is clear to see what an individual’s role is on the track, but for any athlete, not just Olympians, there is an added layer of obligation off the track to do the right practices to unlock full potential. There was an unfortunate incident involving the British men’s 4x100m relay team in 2021, when CJ Ujah unknowingly took a banned substance and cost himself and his teammates the silver medals they won at Tokyo 2020. The fallout from this incident highlights the extra burden and spotlight on these athletes and the fine lines off the track as well as on it.
Men’s 4x100m final (Getty)
Practice more than the others
Once the preparation is out the way, the talking then needs to be translated into performance on the track. The role of the coach comes under scrutiny to ensure the correct sprinters are in the right positions on the track. This means deciding who the best starter is, who the best turn runner is, and who brings the baton over the line quickest.
Deciphering the order of sprinters also determines who passes the baton on to who. In 4x100m sprinting, this is potentially the most pivotal action in the race. There have been many episodes in relay history where a team has suffered heartbreak and dropped the baton or not timed the changeover precisely enough, which has also disappointed those that can bet on the Olympics. The saying “practice makes perfect” certainly rings true for this event. It is possible to have all the natural talent in the world, but one lapse in concentration could ruin years of hard work.
