Britain won the first heat in a world record 42.0, a time equalled in heat
3 by Holland, and barely missed by Switzerland (42.2) in the next race.
The USA rounded out the six heats by demolishing the record with a
time of 41.2, which they beat in the first semi-final with 41.0. The other
semis were taken by Britain (41.8) and Switzerland (42.2).
In the final, Hussey led off well for the USA, and lost no more than
half a metre to the 100m champion, a margin which disappeared by the
last changeover. The USA were more efficient with their baton change
and LeConey had a small margin over Nichol which he extended to
almost 2m to equal the world record of 41.0.
.