The United States of America caused one of the biggest upsets in relays history to upstage favorites Jamaica and win the 4x100m relay final in front of a roaring crowd at Hayward Field in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
Heading into the final, the conversation was not about whether Jamaica would win the title, but rather on whether they would break the USA’s 4x100m record set at the London 2012 Olympics.
But a combination of poor baton exchanges from Jamaica, and brilliant running from a relatively young USA team ensured the former settled for silver, a shocking conclusion to what was a hyped-up race.
Jamaica opted to go with youngster Kemba Nelson at the start, ahead of the experienced Brianna Williams but the gamble did not pay off as her hand-off to Elaine Thompson in the back straight was less than smooth.
It allowed the USA to snatch the lead on the bend with Jenna Prandini running a brilliant curve.
By the time 200m Champion Shericka Jackson took the baton for the home straight, she was already behind USA youngster Twanisah Terry, who ran the race of her life to bring it home for the United States.
Leave a Comment