The Australian quartet put in an outstanding effort to not only break their own national record but also set a new Oceania record in the 4x100m relay event. The team had previously broken the Australian record with a time of 42.94 in March, after it had stood for 24 years. This achievement guarantees Australia’s participation in the Olympic 4x100m event for the first time since Sydney 2000, securing an automatic qualification spot.
The women’s 4x100m relay team was able to secure an Olympic quota on the opening day of competition, finishing second in their heat behind Canada. Despite their success, none of the other Australian teams were able to secure a quota on the first day of competition.
The men’s 4x100m relay team narrowly missed out on an Olympic quota, finishing third in their heat behind Canada and Jamaica. The race between Jamaica and Australia was very close, with both teams clocking in the 38.50 range. The Australian men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams also fell short, finishing fourth in their respective heats and failing to make the finals. There is no Australian team entered in the mixed 4x400m event.
Although the men’s 4x100m team and the 4x400m teams did not qualify for the Olympics on the first day, they will have another opportunity on Sunday. All teams that did not make the finals will compete in an additional qualifying round, and the top two teams from each heat will secure a spot at Paris 2024 Olympics.
Bree Masters, a member of the record-breaking quartet, expressed her excitement and disbelief at achieving automatic Olympic qualification despite their success none of other Australian teams were able to secure a quota on opening day.
Overall, it has been an impressive performance by all four Australian teams participating in this competition, and they should be proud of their efforts towards reaching their goal of competing at Paris 2024 Olympics.