Sha’Carri Richardson showcased her incredible speed during the anchor leg, leading the United States to a top finish in the women’s 4x100m relay heats at Paris 2024. The American team, featuring Richardson, newly crowned 200m Olympic champion Gabrielle Thomas, along with Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, clocked a leading time of 41.94 seconds in their heat on Thursday at the Stade de France.
Despite a slightly shaky second baton exchange, Thomas powered through the final bend before handing off to Richardson, who surged ahead of Germany’s Rebekka Haase in the home straight. The USA finished first, with Germany following close behind at 42.15 seconds, and Switzerland securing third place with a time of 42.38 seconds. All three teams advanced to Friday’s final.
The second heat saw Great Britain, who set the world-leading time of 41.55 seconds earlier this year at the London Diamond League, claim victory with a time of 42.03 seconds. Host nation France closely followed with a time of 42.13 seconds, while Jamaica posted a season’s best of 42.35 seconds despite missing stars Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.
Additionally, the two fastest teams outside of the top three also progressed to the final, with Canada (42.50 seconds) and the Netherlands (42.64 seconds) advancing from the second heat. Canada’s performance set a new national record.
The stage is now set for an exciting final, where the USA will aim to claim gold, and reigning Olympic champions Jamaica will look to defend their title. The schedule sets the women’s 4x100m relay final for 19:30 local time, just 15 minutes before the men’s final, marking a thrilling conclusion to a packed day of athletics at Paris 2024.
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