Budapest, August 27 – The United States demonstrated their unwavering prowess by claiming their ninth world men’s 4×400 gold out of the last 10 finals on Sunday. However, a conspicuous void in their women’s team created an opening for the Netherlands to seize gold, buoyed by an exceptional performance from anchor Femke Bol.
Bol’s narrative in the championships commenced with an unanticipated stumble, narrowly missing the finish line in the midst of a gold contention for the 4×400 mixed relay. Yet, she promptly redeemed herself by securing victory in the 400m hurdles, culminating her journey with an extraordinary burst down the same home straight.
Amidst the notable absence of the formidable U.S. women’s team due to their disqualification in the semi-finals, Sunday’s race appeared to be an open field. Despite three laps suggesting gold was unattainable for the Dutch, Bol’s phenomenal run transformed the situation.
Taking the baton in the third spot, trailing Jamaica by nearly 20 meters and Britain by 10, Bol orchestrated an awe-inspiring comeback on the final straight. As she eclipsed Britain’s Nicole Yeargin, the prospect of victory still appeared remote with a mere 20 meters left. Nevertheless, Bol summoned an unparalleled surge of energy, surging past and surpassing Jamaica’s Stacey Ann Williams at the finish line.
Clocking in at 3:20.72, the Dutch claimed the gold, while Jamaica secured their second consecutive silver in 3:20.88. Britain clinched the bronze, crossing the line with a time of 3:21.04.
Reflecting on the feat, Bol articulated, “The initial three legs transpired smoothly, compelling me to conclude with utmost strength. While I aspired to remain patient, the concluding meters urged me to seize the moment. This marks one of my most pivotal runs ever. As first-time world champions, the significance encompasses us all. Each fraction of a second proved critical. Our impeccable exchanges paved the way for our victory.”
Third-leg runner Cathelijn Peeters echoed the sentiment, sharing, “To be candid, a bronze finish would have sufficed. However, upon realizing the potential for silver, the culmination with gold left me astounded.”
On the men’s front, the United States upheld their dominance, leading the 4×400 race from inception and clinching triumph with a comfortable lead, clocking in at 2:57.31. Quincy Hall and Vernon Norwood laid the foundation with an initial lead, followed by Justin Robinson, and ultimately, anchor Rai Benjamin, who culminated the victory.
This accomplishment marked the U.S.’s fourth relay gold in five events, extending their sprint achievements from the previous day and the mixed 4×400 on the opening night. The remarkable performance solidified their position at the apex of the medal tally, amassing 12 golds and an impressive total of 29 medals. Canada and Spain closely trailed with four golds each.
In a surprising turn of events, France secured silver, setting a national record time of 2:58.45, thereby attaining their inaugural medal of the championships. Meanwhile, Britain secured the bronze, finishing in 2:58.71, successfully fending off back-to-back silver medalist Jamaica.
In reflection, Benjamin remarked on the triumph, stating, “Despite my perception of not moving as swiftly, the faith and trust my teammates vested in me to conclude strongly are immensely meaningful. This is precisely the strategy we discussed. The fact that my teammates had confidence in me is significant. I executed what was necessitated. Quincy’s exceptional start, complemented by the vigor of the rest of the team, culminated in this collaborative accomplishment.”
As France secured their first medal just prior to the event’s conclusion, Ludvy Vaillant, the leadout runner, expressed, “This imbues us with confidence for the forthcoming year, particularly in light of the Olympic Games on our home turf.”
