Pre-race favourites USA looked to be on course to successfully defend their title from 2014 with Shalonda Solomon, Kimberlyn Duncan and Jeneba Tarmoh edging the Americans to a comfortable lead up to the last leg. But a mix-up in the final changeover between Tarmoh and Olympic 200m champion Allyson Felix, meant that the Nigerians in second place were able to profit.
Blessing Okagbare took the
first leg which set Nigeria off to a perfect start. Okagbare handed baton to
Regina George who closed the gap on the Bahamians in Lane 5. George safely
handed the baton Duncan Dominique, who ran a solid third leg before giving the
baton to Christy Udoh, who ran the anchor leg. Udoh was able to hold off the
approaching Bahamians at the end, who were later disqualified, leaving Sherone
Simpson to bring Jamaica home in second place at 1:31.73seconds. Germany
finished in 3rd place at 1:33.61seconds.
The Team USA did not finish
the race, as Jeneba Tarmoh and Alysson Felix collided on their final changeover.
Speaking on the victory at the World Relays, Okagbare said on her facebook page
that: “For the first time, we the athletes made some decisions as a team to
choose who can deliver and deserves to run this race and yes, we did it.
Sometimes it’s not about what they want but, our feelings and opinions should
be taken into consideration. I am really thankful to God everything worked out
to the glory of His name because, we weren’t the best team out there but we
came to win regardless. Congratulations ladies.. With this gold medal at the
2015 World Relays, Team Nigeria has already surpassed its performance at the
first edition last year, where the team won a bronze medal in the women’s
4x400m.
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