Favoured U.S. flubs mixed relay exchange

The United States’ difficult history in relay races reappeared in the Olympic debut of the 4x400-metre mixed relay Friday, a race practically invented for the U.S. The Americans were disqualified after finishing first in the opening heat because of a bad exchange between Lynna Irby and Elija Godwin, a pair of 22-year-old runners who were placed on the U.S. team specifically to help get through the relay rounds. Officials ruled Irby had positioned herself “outside” the zone to receive the baton. “Mistakes happen,” Godwin said. “We are human. We do make mistakes.” It’s a mistake that might have cost Allyson Felix a chance to win her record 10th Olympic medal. She helped the U.S. win this race in its debut at the world championships two years ago.