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The United States qualified for the final in the men’s 4x100m relay on Thursday, securing the fastest time in the heats.
While 100-meter dash gold medalist Noah Lyles ultimately didn’t compete as he prepared for his upcoming 200-meter final, the U.S. was still able to edge out its competition with a time of 37.47 seconds. The team consisted of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King and Courtney Lindsey.
- United States: 37.47 seconds
- South Africa: 37.94
- Great Britain: 38.04
- Japan: 38.06
- Italy: 38.07
- China: 38.24
- France: 38.34
- Canada: 38.39
It was an impressive return for the U.S. after the team previously failed to qualify for the final during the event in the Tokyo Olympics. After coming off a gold medal performance in the 4x100m during the 2023 world championships, the United States built off its momentum despite Lyles’ absence.
Jamaica was unable to earn a spot in the final for the first time since 2004, finishing in fifth place during the second heat. The Jamaican team previously won the event in 2012 and 2016, headlined by track legend Usain Bolt.
Kishane Thompson, the silver medalist in the 100-meter final, was a member of Jamaica’s team on Thursday. However, he wasn’t able to lead his team out of the qualifying round after the group finished with a time of 38.45 seconds.
Italy waited until the second heat to determine if it secured a spot in the final, as the Tokyo gold medalists eventually earned a spot. Japan also eventually its place in the final, finishing among the two fastest teams outside of the top three in each heat at 38.06 seconds.
Lyles could return to help the United States in the final, which will be on Friday at 1:47 p.m. ET.