World Athletics Championships 2025: Sha'Carri Richardson Anchors Flawless 4x100m Relay as USA Marches to Final

The Americans stormed through the 4x100m heats, with Sha'Carri Richardson anchoring brilliantly to secure a spot in the final.

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson anchored the United States women’s 4x100m relay team to a commanding victory in the second heat of the World Championships, posting a blazing 41.60 seconds, the fastest time in the world this season.

Richardson, running the anchor leg, closed the race with a sharp 10.14-second split, sealing the win and sending the Americans into the final as clear favorites.

The U.S. quartet of Jacious Sears, Twanisha Terry, Kayla White and Richardson displayed near-perfect baton exchanges and exceptional top-end speed.

Terry’s 9.86-second second leg and White’s 10.35 down the curve set Richardson up for a clean handoff and a clear track ahead. The performance was both smooth and dominant, signaling a team in peak form at just the right time.

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Behind the Americans, Germany clocked a swift 41.86 to take second in the heat. Gina Lückenkemper anchored with a superb 9.93, ensuring the German team’s automatic qualification.

Great Britain & Northern Ireland also dipped under 42 seconds, crossing in 41.89 thanks to a strong anchor from Daryll Neita, who matched Henry’s third leg with another 10.07 split to secure third.

Canada delivered one of the standout surprises of the session, shattering their national record with a 42.38 clocking. Their smooth handoffs and Audrey Leduc’s explosive anchor leg (10.16) highlighted a team on the rise, capable of challenging for a top-five finish in the final.

Jamaica Reasserts Dominance in Heat 1

In the opening heat, Jamaica reminded the field why they remain a perennial powerhouse in the sprint relay. With Jodean Williams leading off and Tia and Tina Clayton blazing through the middle legs, the quartet stopped the clock at 41.80 seconds, a season’s best. Jonielle Smith’s 10.04 anchor leg ensured Jamaica comfortably topped the heat and sent a message that they will be tough to beat.

Spain impressed with a 42.53 second-place finish, anchored by Maria Isabel Pérez’s 10.01 split, while France ran a season-best 42.71 for third, highlighted by Gémina Joseph’s scintillating 9.99 final leg. Belgium also advanced with a 43.30 effort, relying on Rani Rosius’s speedy second leg.

Anticipation Builds for a Thrilling Final

U.S. and Jamaica both produced sub-42 second runs and demonstrating smooth exchanges, then the stage is set for a blockbuster final. The clash between Richardson and Jamaica’s likely anchor — possibly Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce or Shericka Jackson if they join for the medal round — has track fans buzzing with anticipation.

Germany and Great Britain have shown they can keep pace, with both teams running under 42 seconds and looking sharp. Canada’s new national record also makes them a dark horse for a podium upset if they can shave a few more tenths off in the final.

The women’s 4x100m final is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the championships, with multiple nations peaking at just the right moment.

Fans can expect fireworks when the baton is passed one last time — and all eyes will be on Richardson, who has shown she thrives under the bright lights.