Jamaica reaffirmed its sprinting pedigree in spectacular fashion, storming to a season-best 37.80 seconds in the men’s 4x100m relay at the London Diamond League, a result that punched their ticket to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The Jamaican quartet of Rohan Watson, Oblique Seville, Kadrian Goldson, and Kishane Thompson delivered a clinical performance marked by precise baton exchanges and raw pace. Their win not only silenced doubts after a rocky start to the season but also lifted them comfortably into the world’s top 16 qualifying spots for the global showpiece scheduled for September.
From the opening leg to the anchor, the team executed with sharpness and cohesion, reigniting hopes for a strong Jamaican sprint relay resurgence. The performance came on the heels of setbacks at the World Athletics Relays in China, where they failed to complete their races, and at the Barbados Grand Prix, where they missed the qualifying time by a whisker, clocking 38.46.
With Ackeem Blake absent due to an administrative oversight, the pressure was on the MVP Track Club stars to deliver. Rising to the occasion, they ran the fastest time by a Jamaican team this year, showcasing the depth of talent the Caribbean sprint powerhouse possesses.
The victory also served as a morale boost heading into the Tokyo showdown, where Jamaica will now be represented in the men’s and women’s 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, and mixed relay events. The women’s 4x400m squad still has a final shot at qualifying at next month’s NACAC Championships in The Bahamas.
Behind the Jamaicans, Great Britain 1 thrilled the home crowd with a strong second-place finish in a season’s best 38.08 seconds. Their team of Jeremiah Azu, Lewis Hinchliffe, Richard Glave, and Zharnel Hughes showed grit in the final leg, solidifying their own championship aspirations.
The Netherlands secured third in 38.17 seconds with a well-drilled team of Jeffrey Reviere, Tymo Burnet, Xavi Mo-Ajok, and Elvis Afrifa, holding on to the critical 15th spot in the global relay rankings.
Great Britain 2 also impressed, finishing fourth in 38.43, followed by Poland (38.99) and Scotland, whose youthful lineup clocked 40.62.
As Jamaica celebrates a return to form, the message from London is clear: despite early season struggles, the sprint kings are not just back — they’re ready to battle for glory in Tokyo.
