The World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas began with a thrilling start as reigning world champion Noah Lyles led Team USA to a world-record time in the men’s 4x100m relay. The competition was especially intense, as it would determine Paris quota spots for the upcoming Olympics.
In the men’s 4x100m relay, Team USA, comprised of athletes Courtney Lindsey, Kenny Bednarek, and Kyree King alongside Lyles, clocked a time of 37.49 to win their heat and secure the top spot. They edged out a strong Italian team that included Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs by just 0.65 seconds.
Throughout the evening, several teams earned Paris quota spots by finishing in the top two of their respective events. Femke Bol of the Netherlands contributed to her team’s success in the 4×400 mixed relay, securing their spot early in the competition with a winning time of 3:28.73.
The U.S. women also had an impressive showing in the 4×100 relay, winning their heat with a time of 42.21 – the fastest time of the night – securing them Paris quota spots for the upcoming Games. However, disaster struck for the U.S. men when they were disqualified from the 4×400 relay for a handoff violation, leaving them without any qualifying spots for Paris.
As the focus shifted to qualifying for Paris Olympics, each race became even more critical for athletes who wanted to secure their spot on
