The French talked some serious smack about the American 4×100 relay team. Their best swimmer had this to say:
The Americans? We’re going to smash them. That’s what we came here for.
The Americans had other plans. In what could have been the greatest swim relay I’ve ever seen, the Americans edged the French by .08 seconds. Watching Jason Lezak chase down Alain Bernard. Bernard had at least a half-body length lead on the final 50, but Lezak turned on the afterburners to catch him. Great stuff. Totally worth staying up for this evening. 🙂
It was a race of the century. Saw and was out of breath, too.
Read about it…and would love to find some video! It’s has to be awesome!! From what I read, Jason Lezak swam the fastest rely leg ever (just over 46 seconds), but won’t get recognized ’cause last leg times don’t count outside of the overall time. Bet it was a sight to see though!
Of course, they all get the Gold medal and a world record…not too shaby! 8) Great stuff.
Maybe the French guy was hypermiling!
Jason Lezak was hypermiling. He was riding the wave of the guy next to him to save energy for the final sprint. 🙂
We were actually cheering aloud in the living room! It was a spectacular finish and you’re right – worth staying up for!