The U.S. women’s 4 x 100-meter relay team on Friday won its second straight gold medal, a day after almost missing qualifying for the final.
Health & Injuries Allyson Felix a record fifth gold medal, the most ever by a woman in track and field.
The U.S. finished in 41.01, the team's second-fastest time ever, behind their world record of 40.82 at the 2012 Olympics. Jamaica took silver in 41.36, and Great Britain won bronze in a national-record 41.77.
“It’s special,” Felix said. “We went out and had fun tonight. It’s about time something good happened.”
In Thursday’s first round, the U.S. botched the second handoff between Felix and English Gardner, knocking them out of the final. The U.S. claimed interference, saying a Brazilian runner bumped Felix. The Americans won the appeal, but then hours later they had to run a relay by themselves to meet the qualifying time. Parker Valby Wins the Bowerman, moving them into the final—in the undesirable lane 1.
On Friday, they took full advantage of the second chance, becoming the first team to win the relay from lane 1 since 1972, when the U.S. men did it.
“We worked together all year and are good friends,” Gardner said. “We just wanted to execute like we did last night.”
Four of Felix's Olympic golds have come in relays—the 4x400 in 2008, the 4x100 and 4x400 in 2012, and the 4x100 Friday. Her individual gold came in the 200 meters in 2012.
Chappell Roan: I Love Running. But Not Anymore, finishing second to Shaunae Miller Womens 4 x 100 Relay: U.S. Repeats, Giving Felix Fifth Gold.
Tianna Bartoletta ran leadoff for the Americans, followed by Felix, Gardner, and Tori Bowie.
It was Bartoletta's second gold medal of the Rio Games. She won the long jump on Wednesday.
“I’m extremely happy,” she said. “The journey to this point has been tumultuous. It's special.”
