In a disappointing turn of events, Japan's relay team, often referred to as the "Relay Samurais", missed out on a medal and ended up sixth in the final race. Despite a valiant effort, the team was unable to secure a position in the top three, marking a break from their streak of recent wins. The opponents proved to be strong, and some critics highlight a lack of coordination as reason for the miss. The team, however, remains determined for future victories.
Athletics, particularly relay races, garner major attention in Japan. People see them as a display of team coordination, speed, and determination - mirroring traditional values of the Japanese society. Any rise or drop in team performance can become a topic of national conversation.
Similar to Japan, in the US and EU, relay races also receive significant attention. The team's performance often becomes a topic of public and media scrutiny, with teams facing both praise for wins and criticism for losses. The spirit of competition and teamwork is equally strong.