On paper, the Great British squad, while remaining competitive, is still inferior to those listed above. However, as we saw in Athens, it would be foolish to discount this team. They are again capable of capitalising on any mistakes by the main favourites.
Other Finalists
Nigeria (Olusoji Fasuba, Obinna Metu, Adetoyi Durotoye, Uchenna Emedolu) – Nigeria’s depth of good sprinters always means they present a competent relay team for the 4x100 meters. The world 60 meter indoor champion Fasuba will lead the team, although his form has been down lately.
However, the point of encouragement for this Nigerian team is that Metu and Durotoye have both improved rapidly, and in fact have both beaten Fasuba over 100 meters recently. They should make the final.
Brazil (Vicente de Lima, Jose Carlos Moreira, Bruno de Barros, Sandro Viana) – While not possessing the quality of the other major hopes, Brazil still contains four runners who are more than capable. All four have run quite decent times this season, and if they run a good race technically in Beijing, they will be around the mark and may challenge for a medal.
They finished fourth in last year’s World Championships in a great time, and should again make the final comfortably this year.
France (Ronald Pognon, Martial Mbandjock, Christophe Lemaitre, David Alerte) – Traditionally a very strong relay outfit, the French haven’t had quite the same amount of success in recent years. However, this year they seem to be presenting a squad that rivals the talent and speed of any French team in the past.
They have had some problems with exchanges recently; however a clean run should see them at least make the Olympic Final.
Japan (Nobuharu Asahara, Naoki Tsukahara, Shingo Suetsugu, Shinji Takahira) – After finishing fifth in the 4x100 meter final at the 2007 World Championships with an Asian Record time, this team should again put up a good showing this year.
Japan always manages to field a great team for the relay, and this year’s squad may be one of their best. Japan usually excels technically in the relay, and if this continues they should make the final once again.
The remaining teams
Germany – Great recent form but lack of speed
Italy – Some good runners
Poland – Always performs well in the relay so could make the final
Netherlands – Probably won’t challenge
South Africa – Small chance of making the final
Canada – Traditional power in the event doesn’t currently have the quality
China – Quality is relatively unknown
Thailand – Unlikely to challenge for a spot in the final
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