Jones Anchors Relay Victory; U.S. Men Get a Reprieve

Marion Jones won her final race at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships, anchoring the U.S. women’s 400-meter relay team to an impressive victory in 41.71 seconds. The men’s 400-meter relay team feared it had run its final race when it was disqualified in the semifinals Saturday, but it got a reprieve when the decision was reversed and it was reinstated.

The problem arose when leadoff runner Jon Drummond felt a cramp in his right quadriceps about 40 meters into the race. “After I felt myself buckle, I took one wide step to get to the middle of the lane,” he said.

Drummond, Mickey Grimes, Dennis Mitchell and J.J. Johnson won in 38.35 seconds. However, the U.S. was disqualified after Great Britain--which had no team in that heat--claimed tapes showed Drummond stepped out of his lane. USA Track and Field appealed to a jury of appeal, which reinstated the team for today’s final.

“Thank God,” Drummond said.

However, he won’t be able to run. The team will be Grimes, Bernard Williams, Mitchell and Tim Montgomery.

Jones padded the lead built by Kelli White, Chryste Gaines and Inger Miller. Their time was the world’s best this year, even though their first practice was Saturday morning.