Never Off Olympic Podium, United States 400 Freestyle Relay Looking For Right Pieces

What will come of the United States 400 freestyle relay at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro? The answer will be delivered on the evening of August 7, any one of several multiple-choice options a reasonable selection. A) The Americans could mine gold. B) A silver lining could be the result. C) A bronze medal is a legitimate possibility. D) Off the podium is the unlikeliest of prospects, but not overly far-fetched.

On 11 occasions, beginning in 1964, the 400 freestyle relay has been part of the Olympic program, the medal ceremony including the United States each time. Guys wearing Red, White & Blue have stood on the top step of the podium eight times, with a pair of silver medals and a bronze medal also registered in the record book.

(Note: After making its Olympic debut in Tokyo in 1964, the relay was not part of the schedule in 1976 and 1980, but was restored in 1984).

Since 2000, however, the once invincible status of the Stars & Stripes has been dented, just one victory recorded since the Australians broke the American stranglehold. The 25% success mark over the past four Olympiads does not necessarily indicate a dearth of sprinting power, as podium placement is nothing to shrug off. Rather, the fact that the United States is no longer the slam-dunk pick of yesteryear is based on greater gains from rival nations – Australia (2000), South Africa (2004) and France (2012) all triumphant in this millennium. Additionally, medals have been earned by Brazil, the Netherlands and Russia.

For the United States to take back control of – arguably – the most-prestigious relay on the docket, it will need a flawless performance. That scenario doesn’t just include receiving sterling efforts from the relay members, but requires the coaching staff making the correct decisions (some of which will be highly difficult) in assembling the soundest team available.

Bob Bowman by Craig Lord

The truth is, even if coach Bob Bowman and his assistants make the right calls, there is no guarantee the outcome will be golden in nature. After all, the United States has control of its firepower, but cannot dictate what its rivals are capable of producing. In France and Australia (just to name a pair of nations), the Americans are facing foes that – simply – might be a little bit better. Whether that setup proves true, time will tell. The bottom line is this: The United States must put together as strong a unit as possible, and then look to the scoreboard to see if it was enough.

As we begin analysis of the …

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