August 9, 2024 – 10:56 AM PDT
PARIS (Reuters) – The United States won the gold medal in the Olympic women’s 4×100 metres relay on Friday, their 12th title in the event, after Britain botched their final exchange.
The U.S. team of Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Paris Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson clocked 41.78 seconds after getting the baton around the track with no major mishaps.
Britain were not so lucky.
Leading the U.S. through three legs, Amy Hunt struggled to get the baton into Daryll Neita’s hand in pouring rain at Stade de France. Neita lost all her momentum, but still brought Britain home in 41.85 for silver.
Germany claimed bronze in 41.97.
The U.S. have dominated the event with 12 Olympic titles, but lost to their great rivals Jamaica at the Tokyo Games.
Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond