7msports > Athletics Video > China feel it unfair after seeing USA get a relay re-run

China feel it unfair after seeing USA get a relay re-run

Saturday, August 20 2016 by SNTV
  • Chinese sprinter Wei Yongli talks on Friday (19th August) after the China team missed the final of 4x100 metres relay following the US team's re-run.

    SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Wei Yongli, Chinese sprinter:

    "First of all, we are very disappointed with the track officials' decision. This is the Olympics, and the attractiveness of the Olympics is to have athletes competing in the same situation and the result can only be available after the race. For instance, Justin Gatlin may run a very fast time in his training, but he may not be able to win the gold medal at the Olympic arena. Furthermore, relay is a team event, which can only be accomplished with the teamwork of every athlete. It doesn't necessarily mean a team that runs very fast individually could actually win."

    SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Wei Yongli, Chinese sprinter:

    "I don't think the decision is fair. However, on the other hand, if we are really not good enough, if we entered the final with a top three position in the group or if we had run faster, we will not have to face this kind of situation. However, the decision is not fair to any team that sits on eighth place."

    SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Wei Yongli, Chinese sprinter:

    "We do have the feeling (falling from heaven to hell). We were all very excited when we heard that we entered the final. All four of the girls hugged together and we were thrilled. To race in the final is a target that we have been working for, and a dream for all of us. But when we heard the decision, in particular that the US team can do a solo re-run, we think it is unfair to any country's team that suffers the pain that we are experiencing."

    SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Wei Yongli, Chinese sprinter:

    "I think it is reasonable and all right for the US team to make their requests, but it does not conform to the IAAF rules on the relay event to give them the chance of a solo re-run. According to the rules, a relay race is only good with two or more teams from different country and all the different team need to race on the same situation."

    SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Wei Yongli, Chinese sprinter:

    "Before coming here, I had high expectations for this Olympics. I have done a lot of preparation and my level has improved to a certain extent. I have to say I have regrets at this Olympics, as I didn't show my best. But with regrets, we can actually work harder."

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