The USA were fastest in the first two rounds with times of 40.5 (40.52)
and 40.3 (40.34), though the USSR was only 0.02 slower in winning
the second semi-final. Ira Murchison gave the USA a slight lead on the
opening leg in the final. This was extended to 4m by Leamon King’s
electrifying leg, but the lead was dissipated by more than 2m because
of a poor handover caused by Baker underestimating King’s speed.
Baker gained a little on Konovalov, and gave Morrow a 2m advantage
over Sukharev at the changeover. Morrow, carrying a thigh injury,
gained no more than a metre as the USA finished with a world record
of 39.5 (39.60). The USSR set a European record of 39.8 (39.83),
Germany overhauled Italy to take the bronze medal.
