In a race that will be remembered for its intensity and historic significance, the U.S. men’s 4x400m relay team captured their 19th Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, solidifying their unparalleled dominance in the event. The team, featuring Chris Bailey, Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmon, and Rai Benjamin, delivered an Olympic-record time of 2:54.43, outpacing strong teams from Botswana and Great Britain, who took silver and bronze, respectively.
This victory extends the U.S. men’s remarkable legacy in the 4x400m relay, having now topped the Olympic podium in six of the last seven Games. The triumph also provided much-needed redemption for the U.S. men’s relay teams, following another disqualification in the 4x100m relay earlier in the competition—a setback that has plagued the U.S. men in recent Olympics.
The final leg of the race provided the most thrilling moments of the competition. Rai Benjamin, fresh off a gold medal in the 400m hurdles, faced off against Botswana’s rising star, Letsile Tebogo, who had just claimed gold in the 200m. The two athletes, both at the peak of their form, battled stride-for-stride in the last 200 meters. As the crowd held its breath, Benjamin dug deep, pushing ahead in the final stretch to secure the gold by a mere tenth of a second. The dramatic finish highlighted Benjamin’s exceptional speed and composure under pressure, ensuring the U.S. maintained its storied legacy in the event.
Adding to the historic nature of the victory was the participation of 16-year-old Quincy Wilson, who ran in the heats earlier in the competition. By doing so, Wilson became the youngest male Olympic track and field gold medalist in history, breaking the long-standing record held by Bob Mathias. Wilson’s involvement in the gold medal run underscores the depth and future potential of U.S. track and field.
The win in Paris not only continues the U.S. men’s 4x400m relay team’s tradition of excellence but also serves as a reminder of their resilience and ability to perform when it matters most. With their 19th gold medal in this event, the U.S. men have once again proven that they are the undisputed kings of the 4x400m relay, a dominance unmatched by any other nation.
As the team celebrated their victory on the podium, there was a palpable sense of pride and relief. For Chris Bailey, Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmon, and Rai Benjamin, the win was not just about maintaining a legacy—it was about overcoming challenges, both on and off the track, to stand atop the world once more. The Paris Games have further cemented the U.S. men’s 4x400m relay team as one of the greatest relay squads in Olympic history, and their performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2024 Olympics.
