Rio 2016: Great Britain disqualified from 4x400m relay final after semi-final infraction

Shortly after leaving the track they were disqualified for starting outside the changeover zone

Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith (left), Martyn Rooney (centre) and Nigel Levine react after competing in the men's 4x400m relay (Getty)

Great Britain's men's 4x400 metres relay team saw their Olympic medal hopes crushed as they were disqualified after cruising into the final in Rio.

The quartet of Nigel Levine, Delano Williams, Matt Hudson-Smith and Martyn Rooney came home first in their semi-final in two minutes 58.88 seconds, establishing themselves as strong medal contenders.

But shortly after leaving the track they were disqualified for starting outside the changeover zone, although it was not immediately clear on which leg the error occurred.

An appeal was launched but rejected, meaning they will not join Emily Diamond, Anyika Onuora, Kelly Massey and Christine Ohuruogu in Saturday's finals.

The women's 4x400m quartet and Mo Farah look to be Britain's best hopes on the final day of competition, with the athletics team currently two medals short of their UK Sport target.

Holly Bradshaw looked like she may bolster the haul, but finished fifth in the pole vault final with a season's best 4.70m.

"Fifth in the Olympic Games, I'm really happy with that," she said.

"It's a step up from the last Olympic Games but I'm an ultimate competitor so I'm always going to be disappointed whatever happens."

Eilish McColgan's time of 15 mins 12.09 secs saw her finish 13th in the women's 5,000m final.

PA