Jamaica's women’s 4x400m relay team secured their place in the final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, delivering a season-best time of 3:24.92 in the second of two heats on Friday. The quartet of Andrenette Knight, Ashley Williams, Charokee Young, and the seasoned Stephenie-Ann McPherson ran a strategic and powerful race, finishing first in their heat and ranking fourth overall among the qualifiers.

McPherson anchoring the team in style, ensured a comfortable win in their heat.

However, despite Jamaica’s strong showing, it was the United States that stole the spotlight in the qualifying rounds. The American team, consisting of Quanera Hayes, Shamier Little, Aaliyah Butler, and Kaylyn Brown, stormed to victory in their heat with a blistering season-best time of 3:21.44. Their time was the fastest of the day, making them the team to beat as the finals approach.

The lone Caribbean representative will have their hands full in the final that will also feature formidable opponents in the form of Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Canada.

Meanwhile, in the men’s 4x400m relay, Trinidad and Tobago faced a tough challenge during the heats. Despite a valiant effort, the team—comprising Renny Quow, Jereem Richards, Jaden Marchan, and Shakeem McKay—finished eighth in the first heat with a time of 3:06.73, falling short of qualifying for the finals.

The competition was fierce, and while the Trinidadian team gave their all, it was not enough to advance.

On the other hand, Botswana’s men’s team delivered a stellar performance, clocking the fastest time of the qualifiers at 2:57.76, a season-best. The team, which included Leungo Scotch, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, Anthony Pesela, and Bayapo Ndori, demonstrated exceptional speed and coordination, making them strong contenders for a medal in the finals.

The finals for both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays are shaping up to be highly competitive events, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting the outcome.