Photo: Getty Images
When celebrating the day that a nation gained its independence, some will throw parties and others will put together festivals. In Jamaica, residents celebrate by winning the women's 4x100m relay. Briana Williams, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson sped past Team USA with a time of 41.02 seconds, the second-fastest time in Olympic history. Team USA finished in second with a time of 41.45 seconds and Great Britain captured bronze with a time of 41.88 seconds.
“We are so grateful to win this gold medal for Jamaica on national independence day," Fraser-Pryce said.
"For two years we have been unimpressive, you know, so to get it back today is special.
Jamaican sprinters have had great success in Tokyo this summer. Most notably, Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce and Jackson each won medals in the women's 100-meter dash. In fact, Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah have combined to win the last four Olympic gold medals in the women's 100-meter dash. Moving forward, Jamaica has a bright future in the women's 100-meter dash thanks to Briana Williams. The 19-year old won the 100-meter dash at U20 World Championship in 2018. Together, the group hopes to inspire the next group of young, Black girls to achieve Olympic greatness.
"I'm just excited for all of us and what it means for the young girls back home," Fraser-Pryce added.
"None of us here are from privileged backgrounds. We all had a hard time growing up. And to look at us, I think we represent the hope of so many girls from the country...we represent different parts of Jamaica."
Jamaica will end its dominant run in women's track and field on Saturday with the women's 4x400m final.
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