Freeman fumbles baton in sprint relay clanger

Posted: Tuesday 16th September 2008 | 17:20

SHEFFIELD'S Emily Freeman was left devastated in Beijing after letting a relay 4x100m Olympic medal literally slip through her fingers.

British 100m record holder Montell Douglas, running the second leg, was involved in a calamitous relay mix up with Freeman, which resulted in the Sheffield ace running out of the exchange box without the baton.

To make matters worse for the British quartet, pre-race favourites America and Jamaica also failed to get the baton round, meaning Freeman and co would have been right in the mix for a medal, if not the gold.

"We messed up - simple as that," said Freeman. "Montell was a little off balance as she came in and maybe I just went too soon - I don't know what to say.

"I'm gutted, so gutted I can't put it into words. I don't think I went too early - I just don't know what happened.

"I'm just so sorry for all the girls - this was a real opportunity and I think we all know it - I'm devastated."

Russia took gold in a new season's best time of 42.31 seconds, with Belgium taking silver and Nigeria the bronze medal.

To further rub salt in the wounds, Britain's season best time of 42.95 seconds would have guaranteed a bronze medal ahead of China, while the national record of 42.43 would have seen them take the silver and challenge for top spot on the podium.

JAMES TONEY in Beijing