France has no illusions. A French relay was involved in the mixed 4×400, with the ambition of winning a medal. The order of torch bearers was Wilfred Happio, Saunkamba Zilla, Mohammed Abdullah Koonta and Louis Marawal.

Ireland surprised the nation

Happio started this game very poorly, handing the baton to Sila in last place. The gap was never bridged by top teams. Luis Maraval made a last-ditch attempt to make a stand, advancing to fifth place, but the Frenchman was eventually disqualified for crossing outside the zone between the top two torchbearers.

“We're going to look at the pictures. Disqualification is difficult, but the target for the year is within two months”, Happio responded at France TV's microphone. Also, another Frenchman was disqualified a few minutes ago, That's Meba-Michael Sesse, for the false start.

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Ireland won the title in 3'09''92. The country beat Italy and the Netherlands to win the title. The top two nations quickly separated and almost won the medal at the end of the third relay. Belgium also looked in good shape but were overtaken by the Netherlands in the final 100m.