The USA Shines at the World Athletics Relays Championships
.jpg/world-athletics-relays-2024-report%20(1)__800x581.jpg)
On the second and final day of the World Athletics Relays Championships in Nassau, Bahamas, the USA showcased their relay supremacy, winning four out of the five finals on Sunday evening (May 5). The only final they didn't claim was the men's 4x400m, due to a disqualification in the qualifying round the day before. Here's a detailed rundown of their remarkable performances.
Mixed 4x400m Relay Final:
In a record-breaking display, the USA clinched the mixed 4x400m final, setting a new championship record of 3:10.73. Despite twice being broken in the heats yesterday, the championship record fell once again.
The world champions dominated the race, with the Netherlands finishing second in 3:11.45. Ireland secured third place, setting a national record of 3:11.53, thanks to a sensational 48.45 split by Rhasidat Adeleke on the second leg.
Nigeria took fourth place, breaking the African record with a time of 3:12.87. These four teams will enjoy the best lanes when the mixed 4x400m heats commence at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Women's 4x100m Final:
In the women's 4x100m final, the USA bettered their own championship record of 41.88, set 10 years ago at the first World Relays, with a winning time of 41.85.
The American team dominated the race, finishing nearly a second ahead of France (42.75) and Great Britain & NI (42.80).
Men's 4x100m Final:
With world champion Noah Lyles anchoring, the USA claimed the men's 4x100m title with a time of 37.40, just 0.02 seconds shy of the championship record.
Canada, the 2022 world champions, took second place in 37.89. Initially, Olympic champions Italy crossed the line in third but were later disqualified due to a changeover occurring outside the zone. This allowed France to claim third place in 38.44, narrowly beating Japan and Great Britain, who both clocked 38.45 and were separated by only one thousandth of a second.
Women's 4x400m Final:
The USA continued their relay dominance in the women's 4x400m final, winning their fourth consecutive title of the evening with a time of 3:21.70. Gabby Thomas, fresh off her victory in the 4x100m, returned to deliver a stunning 49.58 split.
Poland secured second place with a time of 3:24.71, anchored by world silver medallist Natalia Kaczmarek's impressive 49.46 split. Canada took third in 3:25.17.
Men's 4x400m Final:
Without the USA in the men's 4x400m final, Botswana dominated, aided by a 43.72 split from Letsile Tebogo. Bayapo Ndori brought the team home in a world-leading 2:59.11, finishing more than a second ahead of South Africa (3:00.75).
World indoor champions Belgium secured third place in 3:01.16, just 0.04 seconds ahead of Japan.
The USA displayed their relay prowess by winning four out of the five finals on Sunday. Their dominance in the World Athletics Relays Championships continues to solidify their position as a global sprint powerhouse, setting the stage for an exciting run towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
