The United States women have been leading the country in the march to gold. The combination of gymnastics, basketball, and track and field has made it clear that this is a great year for them. It wasn't any different in the 4x100 relay featuring Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Sha'Carri Richardson. This team was blazing hot on the track as they raced to gold.
Handoff problems can't stop Team USA
Melissa Jefferson started off strong for the team as the first runner out of the gate. She was smooth and made up ground, but the handoff to TeeTee Terry didn't seem right. It took a minute for Terry to recover and get going. However, it didn't matter much because the runner proved why she is one of the best in the world. Terry turned on the jets and blew past her competition for the next handoff.
The baton-passing problems continued as Thomas was given the stick. Once again, there was a delay, leading to the record breaker falling behind a bit. Thankfully, she was able to push herself forward, ensuring the pass didn't cost them gold. For the third time in the event, the pass took a little too long as Richardson was set to go, but as said before, it didn't matter.
Richardson runs to gold
Sha'Carri Richardson is a beast when she steps on the track. In seconds, she was sprinting past her opponents and claiming first place with ease. The only challenger was Great Britain, who almost caught her at the end. The times of the top three were all close, but there was no making it by Richardson.
It was the glance near the end towards her opponent that sold it. That little look was her saying back off, I've already won. Richardson runs with grace and confidence, which makes her unstoppable. She is one of the greatest anchors Team USA has ever had, and at just 24, it's safe to say she'll be back in 2028 to run again.
Track and Field women continue to dominate
It's been fantastic watching the women in this event, and the medals keep stacking up. Valarie Allman took gold in discus, Gabby Thomas won gold in the 200m and was followed by Brittany Brown, who took bronze. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Tara Davis-Woodhall were gold medal winners in their respective events as well.
The silver medal showing came from Richardson who got herself a silver in the 100m. Pole vaulter Katie Moon took one home as well. Anna Cockrell had followed behind gold winner McLaughlin-Levrone in the 400m hurdles. Lastly, silver was grabbed in hammer-throwing thanks to Annette Echikunwoke.
Three other women besides Brown also took home the bronze, including Mellissa Jefferson's 100m run, and Jasmine Moore took two home in the triple jump and the long jump.
These women have continued to represent their country well, and the 4x100 just adds more icing to the cake. Jefferson, Terry, Thomas, and Richardson should be extremely proud of how they've done in the 2024 Paris Olympics.