The World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, were meant to be a crucial dress rehearsal for Team USA hoping to lock in their place at the upcoming World Championships. For Team USA, however, it turned into a story of what-ifs, missed chances, and one painfully mistimed baton exchange.
The 21-year-old sprint sensation Erriyon Knighton, known for his blistering speed in the 100m and 200m, was initially named in the relay pool by USATF. His absence from the track left fans puzzled, especially after a fumbled baton pass between Jada Mowatt and Kendal Williams cost Team USA a spot in the men’s 4x100m final. Canada capitalized on the error, claiming gold in a stunning upset, while Jamaica and Great Britain took silver and bronze.
A Paperwork Mishap, Not an Injury
Speculation swirled over whether Knighton had picked up an injury or if some behind-the-scenes issue had kept him out. Track & Field content creator Anderson Emerole, host of The Final Leg on YouTube, finally put the rumors to rest.
According to Emerole, it all came down to a frustratingly simple problem, visa delays. Knighton’s Chinese visa arrived painfully late, just a day before his scheduled departure.
“He would’ve landed one day before he was supposed to race,” Emerole explained.
“It just didn’t make sense logistically for him to fly all that way, not get enough rest, deal with jet lag, and then try to race. Not worth it.”
The decision was practical, but it left Team USA without one of its most electrifying young stars at a moment when his explosive start and powerful finish could have made a decisive difference. The chemistry and timing of a relay team are delicate, and introducing a travel-weary sprinter into a high-pressure final would’ve been a risk, but perhaps one worth taking.
Missed Atlanta, But Not the Season
If the Guangzhou mix-up wasn’t enough, Knighton’s no-show at the Adidas Atlanta City Games added more confusion. Fans expected him to headline the 100m heats in Piedmont Park, but when the race began, his name appeared as a DNS (Did Not Start).
Once again, Anderson Emerole offered some clarity. As it turns out, there was no injury, no issue with form, just a miscommunication. Knighton was at the venue and even took part in warm-ups the day before. However, he mistakenly believed he was scheduled to run later. By the time he realized his heat was underway, it was too late.
“The good thing is that he’s healthy,” Emerole confirmed.
“It’s fine, just a miscalculation in terms of timing.”
A Future Still Bright
While his absence at both the World Relays and Atlanta City Games raised eyebrows, none of it dims the promise of Erriyon Knighton’s season. With the World Championships in Tokyo fast approaching, the young star still has the opportunity to cement his status among sprinting’s elite.
His speed, strength, and fearless approach to big races remain a vital asset for Team USA. And if nothing else, these recent mishaps serve as reminders of the importance of logistics and communication in elite sport.
But track and field is built on fine margins and countless moving parts. For now, it remains one of the sport’s tantalizing what-ifs, one missing piece in a relay that could have rewritten the headline.
