Thursday, August 21, 2008 - Page updated at 05:10 AM

Gay to anchor US 400 relay team; Bolt sits out

Usain Bolt was left off Jamaica's team in the preliminary round of the Olympic 400-meter relay, giving him a chance to rest Thursday, while Tyson Gay was picked to anchor the U.S. quartet.

BEIJING —

Usain Bolt was left off Jamaica's team in the preliminary round of the Olympic 400-meter relay, giving him a chance to rest Thursday, while Tyson Gay was picked to anchor the U.S. quartet.

Bolt, who won the 100 and 200 gold medals in world-record time, is expected run the relay in Friday night's final. In the first round, though, Jamaica's team was to be anchored by Asafa Powell, the world record-holder before Bolt took it in May.

Gay, who failed to reach the final in the 100 meters, was to be joined by Rodney Martin, Travis Padgett and Darvis Patton, USA Track & Field said.

The USATF said earlier Thursday that Lauryn Williams would anchor the U.S. women's 400 relay team.

Angela Williams was to run the first leg, followed by Michelle Lewis and Torri Edwards.

Lauryn Williams was fourth and Edwards last in the women's dash final.

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