Team USA delivered a scintillating performance in the women’s 4x400m relay, blazing to victory with a new American record time of 3:15.30. This marks the first time since Seoul 1988 that the U.S. has set a new record in the event.
The American quartet, consisting of Shamier Little, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, and Alexis Holmes, powered through the race to secure their eighth consecutive Olympic gold in the relay. Their final time was a mere 0.1 seconds shy of the world record that has stood for 36 years.
McLaughlin-Levrone, taking the baton in the second leg, extended the lead from an initial 0.77 seconds ahead to nearly three seconds over the Netherlands at the 200m mark. Thomas, who had already clinched gold in the 200m and 4x100m earlier in the week, further widened the gap. Holmes then brought it home, securing an uncontestable first-place finish.
“It’s such an honor to compete with these women,” said Thomas post-race. “I knew they were going to get the job done. It’s not an easy thing to compete on this stage with this type of pressure.”
The Netherlands, with Femke Bol anchoring their team, took silver with a time of 3:19.50. Bol expressed satisfaction with their performance: “We ended the Olympic Games with a good feeling. I went full speed in the last 100 meters. Better I waited, waited, waited, and made sure I was there for the last push…That was the goal. That was exciting. But we got silver because we all ran so well together.”
Great Britain secured bronze, finishing just 0.22 seconds behind the Netherlands. This marks the country’s third ever bronze medal in the event. Laviai Nielsen of Team GB praised the squad’s achievement: “It’s not easy to make the squad, it’s not easy to be an Olympic finalist, it’s not easy to be an Olympic medallist, and we’ve done all those things, so very proud.”
Ireland also made history by reaching their first-ever women’s 4x400m Olympic final. They maintained a top-three position for most of the race before narrowly missing the podium, finishing fourth just 0.18 seconds behind Great Britain.
The race showcased a thrilling display of speed and teamwork, with Team USA reaffirming their dominance in the women’s 4x400m relay.
