Day One Recap at World Athletics Relays Championships - Bahamas 2024
On the first day of the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024, the men's 4x400m relay delivered the biggest surprise. While many expected that both the USA and Paris 2024 hosts France would qualify in all five disciplines, their fortunes took a dramatic turn in the men's 4x400m heats, leading to their disqualification.
The top two teams in each heat automatically qualified for the Paris Olympic Games. The remaining teams will have one more opportunity on day two.
The USA was disqualified in the first heat for deviating from the assigned order during a changeover, while France's second-leg runner, Thomas Jordier—who had already competed in the mixed relay earlier—sustained an injury in the fourth and final heat. Both teams will have another opportunity to qualify in Sunday's Olympic qualification round two but would have preferred to secure their spots on day one.
Men’s 4x400m Heats:
Botswana clocked the fastest time of the day in the men’s 4x400m heats, with world 100m silver medallist Letsile Tebogo delivering a stunning 43.49 split on leg two. They edged out South Africa, 2:59.73 to 2:59.76, with Bayapo Ndori's 43.95 anchor securing Botswana's victory.
World indoor champions Belgium won their heat convincingly in 3:00.09, with Nigeria a distant second in 3:01.70.
The USA initially crossed the line first in their heat but was later disqualified, handing Japan the victory in 3:00.98.
Italy’s Davide Re surged ahead to win the third heat in 3:01.68, while Britain’s Lewis Davey took the runner-up spot in 3:02.10.
Mixed 4x400m:
The USA shattered the championship record in the mixed 4x400m relay, winning in 3:11.52. Ireland set a national record of 3:12.50 in heat three, led by Rhasidat Adeleke (49.64) and Sharlene Mawdsley (50.13). Olympic champions Poland won heat four in 3:13.53.
Women’s 4x400m:
Less than two hours after qualifying for the Olympics in the mixed 4x400m, Ireland set a national record of 3:24.38 in the women's 4x400m. Rhasidat Adeleke (49.48) and Sharlene Mawdsley (50.98) held off Britain’s Lina Nielsen.
Poland won their heat in 3:27.11, with France taking the second Olympic qualifying spot. The USA secured their place in Paris with a 3:24.76 win, while Norway set a national record of 3:26.89.
Men’s 4x100m:
The USA dominated their heat, clocking a world-leading 37.49 ahead of Italy (38.14). Canada won their heat in 38.11, anchored by Andre De Grasse. France secured their spot in Paris with a 38.32 win, and Japan won the final heat in 38.10.
Women’s 4x100m:
The USA women’s team of Tamari Davis, Gabby Thomas, Celera Barnes, and Melissa Jefferson dominated their heat in 42.21. France secured the second qualification spot in 43.09. Poland (42.81) and Germany (42.72) won their heats, while Australia set an Oceanian record of 42.83.
Day two promises more thrilling action as teams vie for the remaining Olympic qualification spots. Teams like Jamaica, Great Britain, and The Bahamas will be seeking redemption and qualification in round two.
