They’ll take a run at ending relay curse

U.S. men, so successful in sprints, have a history of fouling up in the 400 relay. They hope to change that at world championships.

EUGENE, Ore. — One year after largely being shut out from the Olympic medal podium, the United States’ men’s sprinters have enjoyed a banner world track and field championships.

They swept gold, silver and bronze in the 100 meters for the first time at a world championships in 31 years.

On Thursday, they swept the 200 medals, as Noah Lyles broke Michael Johnson’s American record.

And still, U.S. track and field’s leaders cannot relax. Because the event that has caused the U.S. team more anxiety than any other in the last two decades is yet to be run.

Qualifying in the men’s 400-meter relay begins Friday.

It is one of track and field’s most enduring