Swedish women’s relay team disqualified after Finnkampen protest

The Finns claimed that the Swedish team made an illegal switch between Jamilia Bernhardsson on the second leg and Filippa Engström on the third. The Swedes lost the pole, but finished the race despite coming last, to earn two points in the international competition.

But it was done the wrong way.

The baton falls to the ground and is picked up by the runner on the third leg. For it to be within the rules, the runner on the second leg should have picked up the baton and handed it over, video referee Niklas Lieke tells Finnish Yle.

After the relay, the women are down by 19 points heading into the second day's competitions. The men, in turn, lead by 23 points.