There was plenty of drama on Friday in the Men’s 4 x 400M relay. UCLA Bruins athlete Antonie Nortje got tied up on the track and fell, but was able to get up and finish the race. Despite that, they finished last place.
But, to add to the dramatics of the race, later, the officials ruled that South Africa would advance, and it’s on to Saturday’s final. The advancement was due to a lane infringement.
The teams in the final are Botswana, Great Britain, the United States, Japan, France, Belgium, Zambia, Italy, and of course the South African team. The battle for the gold will take place 8 pm on Saturday from Stade de France in Paris.
Knocked down but not out 😤
Antonie Nortje was tied up during his leg of the men’s 4x400m but got up and finished the race. After an appeal, referees ruled that South Africa will advance to the final tomorrow!#GoBruins x #UCLAOlympians x #OlympiansMadeHere pic.twitter.com/TC05555DOf
— UCLA Track & Field (@UCLATrack_Field) August 9, 2024
The 22-year-old was born and raised in South Africa. He won a bronze medal in the 400 back in 2021 at the World Championships U20. At the Pac-12 Championship, he was in second place in the 200, 4×100, and 4×400 events.