In a thrilling finale to the track and field events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sha’Carri Richardson anchored the United States women’s 4x100m relay team to a gold medal victory on August 9th. The team, consisting of Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Richardson, clinched the top spot with a season-best time of 41.78 seconds.Richardson’s powerful anchor leg proved crucial in securing the win, as she overcame runners from Great Britain and Germany in the final stretch. Despite a less-than-clean handoff from Thomas, Richardson’s blazing 10.09-second final leg propelled the team to victory. Great Britain claimed silver with a time of 41.85 seconds, while Germany took bronze, finishing in 41.97 seconds.This gold medal represents a significant milestone for Richardson, marking her first Olympic gold and a triumphant return to the international stage. The 24-year-old sprinter had previously won silver in the 100m event at these Games, but missed the opportunity to compete in the 200m after finishing fourth in the U.S. Olympic Trials.The victory was particularly sweet for the U.S. team, as it marked their first gold in this event in 20 years. Gabby Thomas, who had already secured gold in the 200m earlier in the week, expressed her joy, describing the feeling as ‘indescribable’.In contrast to the women’s success, the U.S. men’s 4x100m relay team faced disappointment, being disqualified for an illegal baton pass. This extended their 20-year drought without a medal in the event. The men’s race saw Canada, anchored by Andre De Grasse, claim gold with a time of 37.50 seconds.
Key points
- Sha’Carri Richardson led the US women’s 4x100m relay team to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- The US team finished with a season-best time of 41.
- This marks Richardson’s first Olympic gold medal, adding to her silver in the 100m event.
- The US men’s 4x100m relay team was disqualified, while Canada won gold in the men’s event.
78 seconds, beating Great Britain and Germany.
