Lorenzo Wright, a member of the team in the long jump who had
placed sixth in his Olympic trials 100m heat, was added to the squad.
After the USA (41.1), Britain (41.4) and Holland (41.7) won the heats,
the final saw Ewell gain over 2m on the opposition on the first leg, and
the lead built up to nearly 5m when Dillard handed over to Patton. The
200m winner took the USA home by over 7m, with Britain 3m clear of
Italy. The USA were then disqualified, but on review of film of the race
it could be seen that the official mistook a line in the next lane outside
for the end of the USA’s passing zone, and the USA were rightfully
awarded the gold.