Jamaica, Canada, U.S. reach 4x100m relay final
The field has been finalized for the men's 4x100m relay final, and the usual suspects will be vying to usurp two-time reigning Olympic kingpin Jamaica.
Opting to rest Usain Bolt in the heat, the Jamaicans booked a spot in Friday's final anyway, clocking a time of 37.94 seconds.
Though it was only good enough for second in their heat - the surprising Japanese taking top spot - Jamaica will once again be favored to capture gold come Friday's race, with Bolt anchoring the defending Olympic and world champions.
The United States, comprised of Mike Rodgers, Christian Coleman, Tyson Gay, and Jarrion Lawson, recorded the fastest time of the two heats, crossing the line with a season-best performance of 37.65 seconds.
Canada, without rising superstar Andre De Grasse - he, like Bolt, was rested ahead of his 200m final - also booked a spot in the medal showdown.
The biggest surprise from a sunny morning at Olympic Stadium was France's failure to reach the final, as a season-best performance wasn't enough for the bronze medalists from London 2012.
Here's a look at the eight-team field that will hit the track Friday:
| Position | Team | Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 37.65 |
| 2 | Japan | 37.68 |
| 3 | China | 37.82 |
| 4 | Canada | 37.89 |
| 5 | Jamaica | 37.94 |
| 6 | Trinidad and Tobago | 37.96 |
| 7 | Great Britain | 38.06 |
| 8 | Brazil | 38.19 |
All photos courtesy Action Images