(03 August 1996; Day 15 of the Olympic Games)
(Atlanta, GA) -- The Canadian team of Robert ESMIE, Glenroy GILBERT, Bruny SURIN and Donovan BAILEY swept to victory in the men's 4 x 100 meters relay with superb baton changing. BAILEY took over on the final leg marginally ahead of Dennis MITCHELL (USA) - but powered away so well that he was able to raise his arms in victory celebration before he crossed the line. Canada's team was a national record 37.69 - a time bettered only by US teams. The US team of Jon DRUMMOND, Tim HARDEN, Michael MARSH and Dennis MITCHELL ran 38.05 for the silver medal. The bronze medal went to BRAZIL in a South American record time of 38.41.
GHANA's team was disqualified because Christian NSIAH ran in the heat. NSIAH was replaced in the semifinal by Eric NKANSAH. GHANA tried to put NSIAH back to run in the final, which is against the rules. They were warned about this in the call room.
| Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Games involved a crew of 2,100 who worked with more than 3,500 performers as well as thousands of athletes who celebrated on the field of Olympic Stadium. |