Team USA Takes Home Another Gold in the Women’s 4x100m Relay

This article originally appeared on Womens Running

Jamaica finished first, second, and third in the women’s open 100m, but the U.S. beat them today in the 4x100m relay. The relay is about so much more than having the fastest runners.

“You can have the four fastest women, but if you don’t have chemistry, then what are you doing?” said Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry, the anchor of the American team. “Trust one another, be patient, and see what happens from there.”

The team of Melissa Jefferson, Abby Steiner, Jenna Prandini, and Terry finished first in 41.14, just 0.04 seconds ahead of the Jamaican team who was anchored by Friday’s 200 meter World Champion, Shericka Jackson, the second fastest woman ever in the event.

“I know some of our fans are gonna be disappointed but it’s OK to feel some disappointment,” said Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the 100-meter World Champion from Jamaica. “Every single person on this team deserved the chance to be on this team. It’s a great achievement for any nation to finish in the top three.”

Germany finished third in 42.03.

RELATED: Abby Steiner Delivers Solid Debut at the World Championships

It was a close finish, but when Terry crossed the line she knew she won. “I can feel her coming, see her out of my periphery, and I didn’t feel her coming,” she said. After finishing Terry immediately hit her signature dirt bike dance and the fans went nuts. It’s the new wave–with even little kids taking on the fad.

Terry said the women went to a training camp in Texas two weeks ago to specifically prepare for the relay. “We all come from different places. We got stick right on the first and second tries and just had to make a couple tweaks. We had chemistry from the beginning,” she said.

“We got to spend time together outside of track practice too and it’s been really special getting to know these girls,” Steiner said.

Jefferson said the 4×100 is way less stressful than the open 100, an event in which she also qualified for the final. “I slept in, took half the time I usually do to get ready,” she said. Jefferson has said before that she has really underperformed because of pressure. Today she didn’t feel it. “I just had so much energy out there. Today was really fun.”

RELATED: Splits: A World Championships Moment Captured–And Adored

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.