Team USA Triumphs in Electrifying Women’s 4×400 Relay Showdown

The final track event at the Paris Games culminated in a golden celebration for Team USA.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas shone for Team USA on Saturday, securing the nation’s 14th gold and 34th overall medal in the women’s 4×400 relay. The formidable duo delivered a 4.23-second lead, setting up Alexis Holmes, who maintained their advantage to cross the finish line.

The U.S. clocked in at 3 minutes, 15.27 seconds, narrowly missing the world record. McLaughlin-Levrone and Thomas, gold medalists in the 400 hurdles and 200 meters respectively, dominated the second and third legs. Their efforts provided Holmes with a 30-meter lead, which she preserved until the end.

Earlier, the American men’s team claimed gold in the same relay event, though in a much tighter race. This marked the most track medals for the U.S. since the early 20th century and the highest number of golds in a non-boycotted Olympics since 1968.

Simultaneously, America’s Masai Russell clinched a nail-biting victory in the women’s 100-meter hurdles. She finished in 12.33 seconds, beating France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela by just .01 seconds after a tense 15-second wait for confirmation. Defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico secured bronze, trailing by .02 seconds.

Samba-Mayela’s silver medal was a historic moment, being France’s first at this Olympic track meet. Her achievement electrified the crowd, breaking a shutout for the host nation.

The Stade de France has been vibrant throughout the Games, bustling with supporters for athletes from across the globe. The loudest cheer prior to Samba-Mayela’s race was for French swimmer Léon Marchand, who won gold on the opening night. Samba-Mayela provided a similar moment of national pride, enriching France’s storied track legacy.

Elsewhere, Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi sprinted to victory in the men’s 800 meters, winning by .01 seconds over Canada’s Marco Arop with a time of 1:41.19, narrowly missing the world record. American Bryce Hoppel set a national record but finished fourth with 1:41.67.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway clinched the 5,000 meters with little drama in 13 minutes, 13.66 seconds. This win adds to his previous victories at the last two world championships. Kenya’s Ronald Kwemoi and America’s Grant Fisher completed the podium, finishing second and third respectively.