Botswana prevent American gold medal sweep in relays at World Athletics Championships

American sprinters fared well in the relay events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning three finals on Sunday. But they missed out on a sweep as Botswana topped the podium in the men's 4×400 meter relay, earning a historic maiden relay title at the global competition.

The USA's Christian Coleman, Kenny Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey, and Noah Lyles completed the men's 4×100 meter final in a world-leading 37.29 seconds to take first place ahead of Canada, which clocked a season-best 37.55 seconds, and the Netherlands, which set a new national record of 37.81 seconds.

But in the men's 4×400 meter relay, Vernon Norwood, Jacory Patterson, Khaleb McRae, and Rai Benjamin lost out on gold after crossing the line behind Botswana's Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi. Despite finishing in a season-best 2:57.83, the Americans ended up 0.07 seconds off the pace, while South Africa claimed bronze.

In women's action, the USA claimed the titles in both the 4×100 and 4×400 meter finals. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Twanisha Terry, Kayla White, and Sha'Carri Richardson won the 4×100 meter relay in 41.75 seconds, 0.04 seconds ahead of Jamaica and 0.12 in front of Germany.

Isabella Whittaker, Lynna Irby-Jackson, Aaliyah Butler, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone displayed complete dominance in the 4×400 meter relay, which they finished in a new World Championships record of 3:16.61. Jamaica crossed the line 2.64 seconds later for silver, while the Netherlands picked up bronze.

Elsewhere on the track, the USA's Cole Hocker struck gold in the men's 5,000 meters after triumphing in 12:58.30. Belgium's Isaac Kimeli earned silver, with Jimmy Gressier of France collecting bronze.

Another World Championships record was set by Lilian Odira, with the Kenyan posting a time of 1:54.62 to win the women's 800 meter final. Georgia Hunter Bell of Britain came in second, with compatriot Keely Hodgkinson placing third.

Sweden's Daniel Stahl clinched victory in the men's discus final with a top mark of 70.47 meters, while Australia's Nicola Olyslagers won the women's high jump with a best effort of 2.00 meters.

The next edition of the World Athletics Championships will take place from September 11 to 19, 2027, in Beijing.