Gold medalists team USA (C), silver medalists team the Netherlands (L) and bronze medalists team Britain react during the victory ceremony of the women's 4X400m relay of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
PARIS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran an explosive second leg as the United States secured their eighth consecutive Olympic women's 4x400m relay title at the Paris Games on Saturday.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who also won the 400m hurdles gold in Paris, powered away from her rivals with a split of 47.71 seconds after taking the baton from Shamier Little.
Gabrielle Thomas and Alexis Holmes maintained the lead as the U.S. finished in three minutes, 15.27 seconds.
The Netherlands took silver in 3:19.50 and Britain bronze in 3:19.72.
"The U.S. just has so much depth. Every woman from the trials to the final was going to do their job," McLaughlin-Levrone said.
"I'm grateful that we were all able to do that, and come out with a gold medal."
Thomas said she had been motivated by watching her track and field teammates during the week.
"I was so inspired watching my teammates do what they do," she said. "I know what it takes. I know how hard it is to win a medal in track and field. It's a very cut-throat sport, especially at this level. I was absolutely inspired and very motivated to do it with these girls."
Little admitted she couldn't contain her emotions after the final as she wept tears of joy.
"It was just everything, it was seeing my family, it was soaking up the moment, and all the hard work that I put in," she said. ■
Gold medalists team USA react during the victory ceremony of the women's 4X400m relay of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Gabrielle Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Alexis Holmes and Shamier Little of team USA celebrate after the women's 4X400m relay final of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of team USA competes during the women's 4X400m relay final of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Gabrielle Thomas of team USA competes during the women's 4X400m relay final of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Alexis Holmes of team USA competes during the women's 4X400m relay final of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Alexis Holmes, Gabrielle Thomas, Shamier Little and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of team USA celebrate after the women's 4X400m relay final of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
