Manteo Mitchell, a former standout at Western Carolina University, won’t be able to run in Friday’s final after injuring his ankle during the preliminary round of the 4x400-meter relay Thursday at the London Olympics. Mitchell broke a bone, later identified as his fibula. Bob Adams, a team doctor for the U.S. track team said any information about Mitchell’s injury

would have to come from the USATF. Mitchell said he felt a cramping in his ankle about 50 meters before handing off the baton to Josh Mance, who ran the second leg. The U.S. finished second, in a virtual tie with the Bahamas, rallying after Mitchell was fifth, completed his leg in a slow 46.1 seconds. The U.S. has won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay in every Olympics since 1976 except in 1980 when the Americans boycotted the Moscow games. The U.S. rallied to finish second to the Bahamas even though both teams were timed in 2 minutes, 58.87 seconds.

Photo Courtesy: Manteo Mitchell, WCU Athletics