United States beat Jamaica to retain their Olympic Games women’s 4x100m title.
Jamaica with Christania Williams, Elaine Thompson, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce trailed USA from the get go.
Running out of the tough lane one, US team led off by long jump champion, Tianna Bartoletta gave them a very good start. Allyson Felix raced down the backstretch and handed over to English Gardner and by the time Tori Bowie took the baton on anchor, the Americans were unstoppable.
“A lot of things have happened,” said Fraser-Pryce after the race. “The toe has been a big, big part of it. But mentally I was able to stand up. I knew I was going to be able to compete. This is my last race (of the season),” she said.
USA won in 41.01 ahead of Jamaica, 41.36 and Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 41.77.
“I’m extremely happy,” said Bartoletta. “The journey to this point has been tumultuous. It’s special,” she added.
Gardner added: “It’s very humbling. These girls are special.” while Bowie said “I’m thankful for it all.”
Felix said: “We had fun out there.”
Trinidad and Tobago with Semoy Hackett, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Kelly-Ann Baptise and Khalifa St Fort finished fifth in 42.12.
