Pierre Brown ran the anchor leg for the Canadian team while Anson Henry ran the second leg, often considered the most difficult, because it requires running the most severe curve of the track.
Canada finished a strong, and surprising, second in the second heat of the competition and was one of three qualifiers from their heat to advance.
Jamaica, anchored by perennial powerhouse Astafa Powell, won the race in a time of 38.31. They rested world-record 100-metre and 200-metre Olympic champion Usain Bolt won the race in a time of 38.31.
Canada's crew clocked in at 38.77. Germany finished third.
Hank Brown led off for Canada with Jared Connaughton running the third leg.
In the other heat, the big news was that four teams, including the heavily-favoured United States, did not finish the race which was run in a heavy downpour.
The U.S. was disqualified for dropping the baton while the defending Olympic champions, the Germans, were disqualified for passing the baton outside the designated zone.
Trinidad and Tobago, anchored by Richard Thompson who won silver in the 100-metre final behind Usain Bolt, finished first in that heat, followed by Japan and The Nethetherlands.
The unexpected disqualification of four teams means Canada has a chance for a medal in the final, which goes tomorrow morning at 8:15 a.m. Mississauga time. China and Brazil will round out the field.
jstewart@mississauga.net
