Having struck GOLD at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the US women’s 4x100m team came set to extend that lead, and despite a poor exchange between third-leg runner Morolake Akinosun and anchor leg Tori Bowie, the team got the job done, storming to a World Lead (WL) of 41.82s to continue their dominance in the event.
This is USA’s seventh title in the event at the World Championships, having already claimed GOLD in 1987, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007 and 2011. The quartet comprising of Aaliyah Brown, Allyson Felix, Akinosun and 100m GOLD medallist Bowie improved on their WL of 41.84s set earlier in the day during the heats.
Felix, who claimed Bronze in the 400m a few days ago said: “Every moment I am on these relay teams is a privilege. I have the best time and just enjoy it. It was a great finish by Tori but every one of the team performed fantastically.”
Bowie stated: “We are on top of the world. I am grateful to be able to run and bring these ladies home to the gold. It has been a mixed week but two GOLD medals is amazing for me.”
The Americans were chased down the line by the home team made up of Asha Phillip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asha Smith and Daryll Neita who stormed to Silver in 42.12s, no doubt at upgrade from their 4th place finish in Beijing two years ago, and Bronze at the Rio Olympics.
A delighted Neita had this to say: “We’ve smashed it. We worked so hard for this. Us girls and boys have both done so well and we’re so proud of each other.
“I tried my best down that last stretch and I’m glad to bring the team home to silver. We work so hard as a team so we are delighted.”
Asher Smith, who recovered from an injury earlier in the season, thanked the home crowd for their support.
“To upgrade from Olympic Bronze to World Silver with these girls has been absolutely incredible, and to do it at home means so much. Thank you so much to this incredible crowd. What a lift they have us. We are so proud to win the medal in London”, she said.
A relatively young Jamaican team which didn’t have Elaine Thompson in action, settled for Bronze in a Season’s Best (SB) of 42.19s, while Germany finished 4th in 42.36s.
Simone Facey who ran the third leg for the Jamaican team comprising of Jura Levy, Natasha Morrison and Sashalee Forbes, said:
“It is a very young team and we have to take that as encouragement. We obviously wanted the GOLD medal but we are happy with Bronze. It is not our usual team but it shows we have a lot of young talent through so they have gained a valuable experience out here.
“I tried my best to get the team in the best position on that final leg and I was screaming at her to go as fast as she could. I knew the other team was closing fast so I did all I could. I know we were expected to get the GOLD but I believe in these girls moving forwards.”
