The Australian quartet had a remarkable effort in the 4x100m relay event, breaking not only their own national record but also setting a new Oceania record. Their time of 42.94 was a stunning achievement, surpassing the previous record that stood for 24 years. This accomplishment guarantees Australia’s participation in the Olympic 4x100m event for the first time since Sydney 2000 and secures an automatic qualification spot.
Bree Masters, one of the team members, expressed her excitement and disbelief at achieving this feat. Despite their success, none of the other Australian teams were able to secure a quota on the opening day of competition.
The men’s 4x100m relay team came close to securing an Olympic quota but finished third in their heat behind Canada and Jamaica. The race between Jamaica and Australia was very close, with both teams clocking in times in the 38.50 range. The Australian men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams also fell short, finishing fourth in their respective heats and failing to make it to the finals. There is no Australian team entered in the mixed 4x400m event.
Although the men’s 4x100m team and the 4x400m teams did not qualify for the Olympics on the first day, they will have another opportunity on Sunday. All teams that did not make it to the finals will compete in an additional qualifying round, and the top two teams from each heat will secure a spot at Paris 2024 Olympics.
