at the 1978 commonwealth games he won his third consecutive 100 m title but was eliminated in the 200 m after a cramp attack. quarrie's participation in his fourth olympics in moscow was in doubt after he was involved in a car crash the previous year. he recovered in time to compete but was eliminated in the 100 m semi-finals. his title defense failed in the 200 m but he did make the final and finished third, adding a bronze medal to his collection.