2016 Olympic Games

U.S. Women Set to Defend Sixth-Straight 4x400 Gold

U.S. Women Set to Defend Sixth-Straight 4x400 Gold

The U.S. women's 4x400m team of Courtney Okolo (50.44), Taylor Ellis-Watson (50.81), Francena McCorory (49.67) and Phyllis Francis (50.51) won their prelimi

Aug 19, 2016 by Meg Bellino
U.S. Women Set to Defend Sixth-Straight 4x400 Gold
The U.S. women's 4x400m team of Courtney Okolo (50.44), Taylor Ellis-Watson (50.81), Francena McCorory (49.67) and Phyllis Francis (50.51) won their preliminary heat with ease and will compete for their sixth-consecutive Olympic title tomorrow evening.



The U.S. squad of Arman Hall, Tony McQuay, Kyle Clemons and David Verburg ran 2:58.38, .09 behind Jamaica. Olympic bronze medalist LaShawn Merritt did not compete in the prelim but may compete in the final.

Women
Auto Qualifiers Heat 1:
3:21.42 United States
3:24.54 Ukraine
3:25.34 Poland

Auto Qualifiers Heat 2:
3:22.38 Jamaica
3:24.81 Great Britain
3:24.94 Canada

Time Qualifiers:
3:25.16 Italy
3:25.71 Australia

Men
Auto Qualifiers Heat 1:
2:58.29 Jamaica
2:58.38 United States
2:59.35 Botswana

Auto Qualifiers Heat 2:
2:59.25 Belgium
2:59.44 Bahamas
3:00.16 Cuba

Time Qualifiers:
2:59.58 Poland
3:00.43 Brazil

The women's and men's 4x400m relay finals will take place on Saturday, August 20 at 8:00PM and 8:35PM CST.

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Photo: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports