U.S. win sixth straight gold in women’s 4x400 relay

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) - The United States maintained their iron grip on the Olympic women’s 4x400 metres relay yesterday when they held off Jamaica for their sixth straight victory in the event to give anchor Allyson Felix her sixth career gold.

The U.S. finished in 3 minutes 19.06 seconds. Jamaica took silver in 3:20.34 and Britain the bronze in 3:25.88.

“It’s really special,” said four-time Olympian Felix who had started the Games somewhat frustrated after missing out on qualification for the 200m.

“I can look back on the things that I’ve accomplished and really be proud and really grateful for what track and field has brought to my life”

Her team mate Courtney Okolo set the stage for the win by grabbing the lead in the opening stage and the U.S. never relinquished it, pushed by Jamaica but well clear of the rest of the field by the halfway point.

Felix held off a late challenge by Jamaica’s Novlene Wiliams-Mills to claim her third medal of the Rio Olympics having won gold in the 4x100m relay and silver in the individual 400m.