Jamaica aiming to deny US three-peat in 4x100m

After silver medals in Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023, Jamaica’s women’s 4x100 metres relay team is hungry to return to the top at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Their last golden run came in Doha 2019, and now the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Jamaica is the second-winningest nation in the event with five titles, trailing only the United States with nine. But to climb back to the top of the podium, the team will have to produce something special. Ranked fifth this season with 42.33 seconds – clocked by Natasha Morrison, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Tina Clayton, and Shericka Jackson for third at the World Relays – the Jamaicans will need a sharp turnaround.

Leading the pack is Great Britain with 41.69 followed closely by the United States with 41.74, Netherlands at 42.02 and Spain at 42.11. For Jamaica, breaking the 42-second barrier looks essential. Recent results underline the challenge, with the team finishing second well behind Great Britain at the London Diamond League in 42.50.

But Tokyo could bring a spark. Tia Clayton is expected to join her sister Tina, along with Fraser-Pryce and Jackson. Both Claytons have already dipped under 10.90 in the 100m this season, signalling the potential for something explosive.

The United States, winners in Eugene and Budapest, are chasing a three-peat. They haven’t unleashed their strongest lineup yet this season, but with Twanisha Terry, Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, and Kayla White all ready, they remain the danger team. Great Britain, likely fielding Dina Asher-Smith, Amy Hunt, Desiree Henry, and Daryll Neita, will also be gunning for their first world title.

Now it all comes down to the baton exchanges under the bright lights of Tokyo. The Americans will blast out, Great Britain will be right there, but watch Jamaica – Fraser-Pryce bursting down the backstretch, the Claytons turning on the afterburners, and Jackson driving home on anchor. The crowd will rise to its feet as three giants of sprinting lock horns, and Jamaica will be fighting every inch of the way for a place on that podium.

Top three

1. USA

2. Great Britain

3. Jamaica