In a dazzling display of speed and teamwork, the U.S. women’s 4x400m relay team continued their unparalleled dominance on the world stage, securing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games. The team, comprised of Shamier Little, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, and Alexis Holmes, delivered a near-record performance with a time of 3:15.27, just a tenth of a second shy of the world record set by the Soviet Union in 1988.
The race was a testament to the American quartet’s exceptional prowess, with each leg showcasing the athletes’ individual strengths. Shamier Little started the relay strong, positioning the team well against their international competitors. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, running the second leg, electrified the stadium with a blistering 47.71-second split. This astonishing time, which would rank as the second-fastest ever in a standalone 400m race, pulled the U.S. team far ahead of the rest of the field, setting a pace that proved insurmountable for their rivals.
Gabby Thomas, already a double gold medalist at these Games, maintained the lead with a powerful third leg, further extending the Americans’ advantage. Alexis Holmes, anchoring the team, sealed the victory with a composed and dominant final leg, crossing the finish line to the roars of the Parisian crowd.
This victory not only added another chapter to the U.S. women’s relay legacy but also underscored their continuing dominance in the sport. The streak, which began at the 1992 Barcelona Games, remains unbroken, with the U.S. women’s 4x400m team consistently outperforming their competitors on the biggest stage.
The 2024 relay gold also contributed to a historic achievement for the U.S. women’s track team, as they swept the relays for the fourth time in the last five Olympics. Earlier in the Games, the 4x100m team, featuring Gabby Thomas, Sha’Carri Richardson, Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry, and Melissa Jefferson, also clinched gold, solidifying the U.S. as the premier force in women’s sprinting.
For Gabby Thomas, the relay win capped off an incredible Olympic campaign, bringing her total to three gold medals in Paris (200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay). Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also continued to build her legacy, leaving Paris with two gold medals (400m hurdles and 4x400m relay), further establishing herself as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The U.S. women’s 4x400m relay performance in Paris was not just a victory—it was a statement. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the team has ensured that the legacy of American excellence in this event will continue for years to come. As they stood atop the podium, gold medals gleaming, it was clear that the U.S. women are still the ones to beat in the 4x400m relay.
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