Brits suffer from dropping standards again in the relay

Britain's sprinters were struck down by another relay disaster in Beijing today which almost certainly cost them a medal in the women's 4x100metres.

After the men's changeover blunder cost them qualification yesterday, it was the women's turn to deliver a pig's ear in the Bird's Nest.

Slick work on the first two legs which had left them well placed was undone when the baton was dropped as Montell Douglas tried to feed Emily Freeman.

Favourites Jamaica, in the neighbouring lane, also fumbled their baton at the same stage, leaving the way clear for Russia to take gold in front of Belgium and Nigeria.

In the field, Britain's Jade Johnson finished seventh in the long jump. Brazil's Maurren Maggi won the gold. Meanwhile, Tirunesh Dibaba, of Ethiopia, took gold in the women's 5,000m, completing a remarkable double having won the 10,000m.

Another two-event champion, Usain Bolt, added to his haul as the Jamaican 4x100m relay team broke the world record in 37.10sec.