The U.S. women’s 4×100 relay team shattered the world record last night, earning Team USA its first gold medal in the event in 16 years.
According to NBC, (L to R) Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Allyson Felix and Tianna Madison left the 80,000 fans in Olympic Stadium roaring with excitement as they shaved a half-second off the world record. When it was all said and done, the clocked flashed 40.82.
“It feels surreal,” said Madison, who kicked off the race for the team. “We really came together and made it happen.”
Jeter, who ran the anchor leg, knew from the beginning that this race would be epic. “I knew it. I knew it in my heart,” she said. “I can’t even describe it. I never do stuff like that. I’m never that emotional. But I knew it. You couldn’t have told me we didn’t just do that. I knew it.”
Other team members were left in a state of shock and excitement. “I looked up at the clock and I honestly was confused at the time,” said Felix. “I was like, ‘OK, that is a world record, wow!’ And I just sprinted to go meet the girls and celebrate with them!”
“We came together as a team to bring USA this gold medal home,” Jeter said. “I believe that was a lot of it. We trusted each other. We believed in each other. That was the best part of it.”
Jamaica finished the race in second, earning the silver medal. Ukraine came in third to take home the bronze.
Congratulations to Team USA!
