RIO DE JANEIRO — LaShawn Merritt anchored the USA to victory in the men's 4x400-meter relay on Saturday at Olympic Stadium, four years after Bahamas came from behind to knock the Americans down to silver.
Arman Hall, Tony McQuay, Gil Roberts and Merritt returned the Olympic title to American hands. Merritt split 43.9 as the USA finished 2:57.30. Jamaica was second in 2:58.16, and Bahamas was third in 2:58.49
Before the 2012 Games, the USA had won the previous two gold medals, and six of seven.
Merritt, who was injured in London in 2012 and was not part of that team, adds the relay gold to the bronze he won in the open 400.
For the U.S. track team this win closes out a strong performance on the Olympic track in Rio: 31 medals — 13 gold, 10 silver and eight bronze.
