The United States turned the tables on South Africa, the nation that upstaged them at last year’s event, by winning the men’s 4x100m at the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 on Sunday (3).

In a near repeat of the final from Guangzhou twelve months ago, the USA and South Africa were locked in a head-to-head battle for glory down the home straight, but this time victory went to the United States who prevailed in 37.43 ahead of South Africa, who set an African record of 37.49 in second.

USA’s 2018 world indoor bronze medallist Ronnie Baker powered out of the blocks and handed on to Max Thomas. South Africa, led off by Mvuyo Moss and Cheswill Johnson, were positioned well throughout, while Germany were also close behind.

Canada, the Olympic champions and one of the best-drilled relay squads in the world, were taken out of contention when second-leg runner Jerome Blake was struck by injury. He strode gallantly towards Brendon Rodney to complete his leg before Andre De Grasse brought them home as the last team to finish in 40.06.

Out in front, though, USA’s Lance Lang battled against South Africa’s Bradley Nkoana on the third leg with Germany’s Owen Ansah giving chase. Pjai Austin then anchored USA down the home straight, holding off a strong challenge from the ever-reliable Akani Simbine, who anchored South Africa to victory last year.

This time, however, the title went to the USA in 37.43 – the third-fastest time ever at the World Relays and just 0.05 shy of the competition record. South Africa finished second in an African record of 37.49. It’s just the second time in history that two teams have broken 37.50 in the same race.

"The noise from the crowd at the World Championships in Tokyo last year was loud, but here it was crazy," said Baker, USA's first-leg runner. "The atmosphere was truly amazing - the crowd had us hyped and ready to go."

"Since 2024 I've tried to let go of chasing medals simply to prove to the world that I'm a great sprinter when my results speak for themselves," added Simbine, who has been running sub-10 for 100m for a span of 11 years. "Now it's just me on the track running free, feeling the love from everybody that has supported me."

Germany finished third in 37.76, backing up the 37.67 national record they set in the first round. Australia (38.00) and the Netherlands (38.17) were next to finish ahead of the host nation Botswana (38.35), running without Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo as he was focusing on the 4x400m. Canada was next, while Great Britain failed to finish.

In the second World Championships qualifying round, China powered away from the field to win the first heat in 37.85 ahead of Ghana (38.09). Kenya finished outside of the qualifying spots in third but were rewarded with a national record of 38.27.

Jamaica enjoyed an even bigger winning margin in the second heat, winning in 38.14 to secure their place in Beijing. Belgium produced a national record of 38.40 to grab to final qualifying spot.

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics

Result: 1 United States 37.43, 2 South Africa 37.49, 3 Germany 37.76, 4 Australia 38.00, 5 Netherlands 38.17, 6 Botswana 38.35, 7 Canada 40.06, Great Britain & NI DNF

The eight finalists have qualified for the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27, with their finishing order determining their lane seeding positions.

The other teams to qualify for Beijing through Sunday’s additional round were: China, Belgium, Ghana, Jamaica.