Yevgeniya Polyakova of Russia, Torri Edwards of USA, Verena Sailer of Germany and Joice Maduaka of GBR during the Women's 4 x 100m Relay Final (© Getty Images)
At the last World Championships in Osaka we witnessed a classic showdown between the USA and Jamaica and we may well be treated to more of the same in Berlin.
Two years ago the USA shaded the duel by just 0.03, although the balance of power may well have tilted in the direction of the Caribbean island in the past year or so.
Jamaica boast a mighty powerful squad boasting a rich seam of talent including: World 100m No.1 Kerron Stewart, World 100m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser. They can also call up the likes of Sheri-Ann Brooks, Simone Facey and Aleen Bailey to join their top trio and they must start favourites to land this title for the first time in 18 years.
The USA, though, will no pushovers. Carmelita Jeter and Muna Lee have both dipped below 11 seconds this season (albeit the latter wind-aided) and 2005 World Champion Lauryn Williams and reigning World 200m champion Allyson Felix are also on the relay squad.
However, poor baton changing cost both nations dear at the 2008 Olympic Games as both were disqualified and slick changeovers may well once again prove the determining factor in Berlin.
Russia capitalised on USA and Jamaica’s mistakes in Beijing last year to take gold and the Olympic champions should not be discounted. They may not individually compare to the two favourites but they are always a well drilled unit and have experienced hands in the likes of Yevgeniya Polyakova and Yuliya Gushchina.
Belgium took a surprise bronze medal in Osaka and even went one better at last summer’s Olympic Games. However, it is hard to see them climbing the podium in Berlin, particularly without their ‘golden girl’ Kim Gevaert, who retired last year.
The Bahamas have two women – Chandra Sturrup and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie – with sub-11 second 100m times this season and the 2000 Olympic 4x100m champions could also present a danger.
Germany (43.12) are the fastest European team this season and will enjoy plenty of home support. Watch out too for the likes of Olympic bronze medallists Nigeria, Brazil, Great Britain and Trinidad and Tobago.
Steve Landells for the IAAF
Two years ago the USA shaded the duel by just 0.03, although the balance of power may well have tilted in the direction of the Caribbean island in the past year or so.
Jamaica boast a mighty powerful squad boasting a rich seam of talent including: World 100m No.1 Kerron Stewart, World 100m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser. They can also call up the likes of Sheri-Ann Brooks, Simone Facey and Aleen Bailey to join their top trio and they must start favourites to land this title for the first time in 18 years.
The USA, though, will no pushovers. Carmelita Jeter and Muna Lee have both dipped below 11 seconds this season (albeit the latter wind-aided) and 2005 World Champion Lauryn Williams and reigning World 200m champion Allyson Felix are also on the relay squad.
However, poor baton changing cost both nations dear at the 2008 Olympic Games as both were disqualified and slick changeovers may well once again prove the determining factor in Berlin.
Russia capitalised on USA and Jamaica’s mistakes in Beijing last year to take gold and the Olympic champions should not be discounted. They may not individually compare to the two favourites but they are always a well drilled unit and have experienced hands in the likes of Yevgeniya Polyakova and Yuliya Gushchina.
Belgium took a surprise bronze medal in Osaka and even went one better at last summer’s Olympic Games. However, it is hard to see them climbing the podium in Berlin, particularly without their ‘golden girl’ Kim Gevaert, who retired last year.
The Bahamas have two women – Chandra Sturrup and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie – with sub-11 second 100m times this season and the 2000 Olympic 4x100m champions could also present a danger.
Germany (43.12) are the fastest European team this season and will enjoy plenty of home support. Watch out too for the likes of Olympic bronze medallists Nigeria, Brazil, Great Britain and Trinidad and Tobago.
Steve Landells for the IAAF
