Lima, Peru – In a thrilling climax to the World Under-20 Championships, Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay team clinched their first-ever gold medal in the event, marking a historic achievement for the island nation. The quartet, consisting of Jace Witter, Gary Card, Nyrone Wade, and anchored by the electrifying Deandre Daley, clocked a time of 39.18 seconds to secure the victory on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The Relay People Will Talk About for Years
The event took place at the Estadio Atletico de la Videna, with the Jamaican team making a dramatic comeback from fourth place to edge out their competitors right at the finish line. The crowd erupted as Deandre Daley powered through the final leg, overtaking Great Britain in a breathtaking finish.
Great Britain finished with a time of 39.20 seconds to take the silver, while Thailand surprised many by setting a national Under-20 record of 39.39 seconds to claim bronze.
Breaking an 18-Year Drought
This gold medal is especially significant for Jamaica as it ends an 18-year wait in the men’s 4x100m relay at the World Under-20 Championships. The last three editions saw Jamaica settling for silver, each time finishing behind the USA.
Historic Performance
The victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Jamaican athletes and coaching staff. It’s a moment that will be remembered not just for the gold medal, but for the thrilling way in which it was won.
“This victory is more than just a medal; it’s a symbol of our perseverance and determination,” said Paul A Reid, reflecting on the significance of this achievement.
As the team stood on the podium and the Jamaican national anthem played, it was clear that this moment was an iconic chapter in Jamaica’s rich athletic history.
