Is there any better way to bring 10 days of track and field to a close than by sweeping the 4x400m in historic fashion?

After a nerve-wracking first round just days ago, the American men took care of business in the final, as Rai Benjamin held split 43.18 over the anchor leg and gave the Americans the gold medal in a time of 2:54.29.

• Subscribe To FloTrack To Watch Track And Field And Cross Country All Season
• Faith Kipyegon Becomes First To Three Olympic Wins In 1,500m
• Watch Live Olympic Track & Field Analysis, Reactions On FloTrack Everyday
• U.S. Star Masai Russell Claims Olympic Title In 100 Meter Hurdles

The quartet of Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmon and Benjamin, who earned his first Olympic title on Friday, were tasked with holding off a wide range of competitors.

But it didn't come without a fight. 

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo ran an incredible anchor leg of 43.04, putting on a show against Benjamin as he gave his country a new national and African record of 2:54.53.

Bailey opened up the relay in 44.45 out of the blocks, while Norwood showed his experience and came through in 43.26. Deadmon made a big push and shook everyone but Botswana, splitting 43.54.

Benjamin and Tebogo battled over the next 400m, but the American had enough left to hold the African at bay. 

The U.S. clocked a new Olympic record, breaking their own mark set 16 years ago in Beijing.

Great Britain was third in 2:55.83, which was a new European record.

Shattering A 36-Year-Old Record 

The American women decided they wanted to join in on the fun. 

But this wasn't even close. The U.S. women annihilated their competition, finishing over four seconds ahead of the field.

Shamier Little proved she can just as well without hurdles in her way, leading off with a 49.48, before passing the split to none other than Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who ran 47.7. 

Gabby Thomas split 49.30 to conclude her busy yet successful time in Paris, while Alexis Holmes cruised to the finish in 48.78.

After decades of chase, this American quartet finally caught up to the 1988 American record of 3:15.51.

In typical 'Femke Bol' fashion, the Dutch star fought her way into silver down the homestretch, splitting 48.62.

Great Britain won bronze in a new British record of 3:19.72.

In total, there were ten national records throughout both races, with a few of those being area records as well.

Get The Latest Paris 2024 Olympic Track News On FloTrack

FloTrack is on the ground in Paris with the latest news. Get the latest news and notes and vibes from Paris on FloTrack. 

FloTrack Is The Streaming Home For Many Track And Field Meets Each Year

Don't miss all the track and field season action streaming on FloTrack. Check out the FloTrack schedule for more events.

FloTrack Archived Footage

Video footage from each event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Join The Track & Field Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloTrack
• Follow us on Instagram @flotrack
• Follow us on TikTok @flotracktv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook