The Netherlands has reached the mixed Olympic final in the 4×400 meters in Tokyo. The quartet Jochem Dobber, Lieke Klaver, Lisanne de Witte and Ramsey Angela ran in the series of the new discipline in a record time of 3.10.69 to second place behind Poland, more than enough for a place in the final battle. The final is Saturday evening.
Jochem Dobber started strong, after which Lieke Klaver and Lisanne de Witte kept the Netherlands in the vanguard. Final runner Ramsey Angela made a big impression by holding on to second place. Poland ran a European record with 3.10.44. The time of the Netherlands turned out to be the second over two series.
Belgium won the other series in 3.12.75. In that race, the teams of America and the Dominican Republic were disqualified.
podium spot
“A podium place is in it,” said start runner Dobber confidently. “We ran very well.” Klaver, De Witte and Angela shared his enthusiasm. “Saturday is the real deal,” Klaver looked ahead. “I thought it was quite exciting. These are the Games. That gives an extra load,” added De Witte.
The advantage according to Dobber is that the Dutch do not have to think. “The coaches do the thinking about the line-up. We only have to focus on that round of walking.”
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