JAPAN performed a lesson in juggling at the World Relay Championships – as they knocked the baton in the air and then caught it mid-race
The home nation were in the lead at the final changeover in the men’s 4x100metres relay when they failed to pass the baton cleanly.
Incoming runner Yoki Koike tried the upswing into the final runner’s hand and let go of the baton which went flailing in the air.
The baton then bounced twice on his forearm before being batted on to fourth leg runner Yoshihide Kiryu.
Kiryu continued to fumble with the baton tossing it into the air before finally grasping it and finishing the race.
Incredibly the Japanese team still managed to finish third – outside of the top two qualifying teams.
Disappointingly they lost out to the US on home soil in Yokohama, who capitalised on their opponent’s juggling exploits to finish first.
The American team included drug cheat Justin Gatlin who was booed at the World Championships in London in 2017.
Shuhei Tada had given Japan a dream start in the event racing against American Mike Rodgers, who served a drugs ban in 2012, on the first leg.
Tada handed over to Ryota Yamagata in first place, while Gatlin took on the baton for the US.
The World 100 metre Champion made up ground on his Japanese rival as he handed over to Jerome Young but then Koike steamed round the bend into the final exchange.
It was then that the Japanese showed off their juggling skills, which unfortunately saw their team disqualified.
Cameron Burrell took advantage of the mix-up and stormed home to victory for the US.
Earlier Team GB’s 4×100 metre quartet of CJ Ujah, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Adam Gemili and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake stormed to victory in the first heat.
They posted the quickest time of the year so far of 38.11 seconds heading into Sunday’s final in first spot.
However the British women’s team dropped the baton as they missed out on a final spot.
There was a mix-up in the exchange between Desiree Henry and Ashleigh Nelson as the team, who were missing Dina Asher-Smith, failed to finish the race.
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
