The stage is set for an electrifying women’s 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25, where Olympic champions, world record holders, and rising stars will battle for supremacy. With 20 federations competing on May 10-11, the event promises high-speed drama as teams vie for coveted qualification spots at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
USA Aims to Continue Dominance with Record-Breaking Squad
The United States enters the competition as the reigning Olympic and world champion, having shattered a 10-year-old championship record at last year’s World Relays before claiming gold in Paris. Leading the charge is Twanisha Terry, a key member of the victorious 2024 Olympic quartet, who now makes her World Relays debut in Guangzhou. Terry has been part of three consecutive global gold-winning teams, including the 2022 Oregon and 2023 Budapest World Championships.
Joining her are Mikiah Brisco, a 2019 World Relays champion and 2022 world indoor 60m silver medallist, along with Cambrea Sturgis, the 2021 NCAA double sprint champion. The US squad recently clocked a world-leading 41.74 in Austin, signaling their intent to dominate once again.
Jamaica Seeks Redemption with Star-Studded Lineup
Jamaica’s fifth-place finish in Paris marked their first absence from an Olympic 4x100m podium since 2008, but the Caribbean powerhouse is determined to reclaim its status. Spearheading their campaign is two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson, who anchored Jamaica to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 but missed Paris due to injury. Jackson recently showcased her form with a second-place finish in the 200m at the Xiamen Diamond League.
She is joined by Natasha Morrison, a 2023 World Championships silver medallist, and rising stars Alana Reid and Tia Clayton, who were part of Jamaica’s fifth-place team in Paris. While sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is listed for the mixed 4x100m, event rules allow for last-minute substitutions, keeping rivals on high alert.
Great Britain & Germany Bring Olympic Pedigree
Great Britain, the Olympic silver medallists, return with a strong squad featuring Amy Hunt, Desiree Henry, and Bianca Williams, all of whom competed in Paris. The team is bolstered by five-time global medallist Asha Philip, adding invaluable experience.
Meanwhile, Germany, the Olympic bronze medallists, field Lisa Mayer and Rebekka Haase, who raced in the Paris final, alongside Sophia Junk, a heat specialist. Their consistency makes them strong contenders for another podium finish.
France, Canada, and China Eye Podium Upsets
France, who claimed silver at the 2023 World Relays and finished fourth in Paris, brings back Chloe Galet and Helene Parisot, seeking redemption in Guangzhou. Canada, fresh off a 42.73 season-best, fields a quartet including Sade McCreath and Audrey Leduc, aiming to disrupt the traditional powerhouses.
Host nation China will rely on Liang Xiaojing and Ge Manqi, who helped secure sixth place at the Tokyo Olympics, to deliver a strong performance in front of a home crowd.
Battle for World Championships Qualification
Beyond the podium race, 14 teams will secure automatic qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo, adding extra intensity to the heats. Nigeria, led by African champion Favour Ofili (10.99 this season), Netherlands, Switzerland, and dark horses like Liberia and Italy will fight fiercely for a top-14 finish.
