In a daring strategic decision, Team USA brought in multiple world champion Noah Lyles to help them win gold again in the men’s 4x400m relay. But against the individual might of 400-meter champion Alexander Doom, their efforts were insufficient.
Doom, employing the same tactics that brought him success in the 400m final, strategically positioned himself behind US anchor runner Christopher Bailey. With a powerful sprint off the final bend, Doom secured victory in a world-leading 3:02.54, successfully defending Belgium’s title and making history as the first man to win gold in both the 400m and 4x400m at the same World Indoor Championships.
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The USA settled for the silver medal, trailing just 0.06 seconds behind, while the Netherlands claimed the bronze, mirroring their performance from Belgrade two years ago.
The race unfolded with determination from the USA, led by Jacory Patterson’s early surge to fend off challenges from Liemarvin Bonevacia of the Netherlands. As the baton changed hands, Belgium’s Jonathan Sacoor moved into second place, maintaining the top three nations’ status quo.
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Positions remained unchanged through the next laps, with Matthew Boling of the USA successfully holding off challenges from Belgium’s Dylan Borlee and Ramsey Angela of the Netherlands on the second leg. Stepping in to maintain the USA’s lead, Noah Lyles, the 60m silver medalist, executed a strategic leg, ensuring a smooth handover to anchor runner Christopher Bailey while still holding the lead.
Bailey led valiantly for most of his leg, but the relentless Doom shadowed him closely. In the final stages, Doom surged ahead, crossing the line in 3:02.54, just 0.03 seconds away from the national indoor record. The USA secured silver in 3:02.60, with the Netherlands claiming bronze in a Dutch indoor record of 3:04.25.
Kenya finished fourth in 3:06.71, setting a new African indoor record. Poland secured fifth place in 3:08.00, while Portugal initially crossed the line in sixth, only to be disqualified later. Reflecting on his historic double gold, Doom expressed, “The team put me in the perfect position. I sensed an opportunity at the end. Despite feeling a bit tired after the last few days, I had a strong kick in the final stretch, and I’m truly elated.”
