This was the column on day nine by Sam Fariss. She was fascinated with the 4 x100 m relay events, both men and women.
The United States is upset and gets upset
By Sam Fariss
On the penultimate day of the World Athletics Championships, the United States had a team in the finals for both the men’s and women’s 4×100 meter relays.
In the women’s race, the United States was considered a definite underdog to the well-known queens of sprinting, Jamaica. The Jamaican women swept the 100 meters and finished first and second in the 200 meters; they also swept both of the races at the Tokyo Olympic Games last year.
The Jamaican relay team had some of the greatest sprinters of all time: Kemba Nelson, Elaine-Thompson Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson. Team USA was composed of Melissa Jefferson, Abby Steiner, Jenna Prandini, and Twanisha (TeeTee) Terry.
The United States – on their home turf, to the roar of an astounded crowd – flew through the 400 meters and shocked the world by defeating the Jamaican women.
“It was not expected of us today, and I am glad we pulled it through,” Jefferson said. “Our teammates and I have a lot of confidence in ourselves, and I knew we would show the world what we are capable of.”
Immediately after the women’s relay, it was the men’s turn to see which nation can lay claim to the fastest team in the world.
The US men, who swept the 100 meters and the 200 meters races this week, were the favorites heading into the event on Saturday night. However, despite running a season-best, the men fell short of earning gold for their country.
Christian Coleman, Noah Lyles, Elijah Hall, and Marvin Bracey – missing the 100 meters champion Fred Kerley – finished in 2nd behind their neighbors to the north, Canada.
“It’s special to win here. There are a lot of Canadians cheering us on. It’s not our home, but that was how it was,” Andre De Grasse said after anchoring his team’s relay and passing Marvin Bracy in the process.
On the final day of the championships, both teams have another chance to earn relay golds for the United States as the meet will conclude with the two 4×400 meter relays.
