The final track action after a memorable nine days of athletics competition at the Stade de France was the women's 4x400m relay. History pointed towards another victory for the United States of America. Incredibly, the Americans had won this race at the last seven Olympic Games.
Shamir Little made a good start for the USA in lane six. At the first handover, Jamaica in the yellow in lane 8 were also going well. American Sydney McLaughlin-Lovroni, the Olympic champion in the individual hurdles, had a clear lead.
Ireland's Rashid Adaleki in green overtook Jamaica's Andranette Knight, who dropped the baton. The USA had established a commanding lead. The gold medal seemed secure, even from such a long way out. The race for silver and bronze was very much on at the final handover.
The Dutch in orange had their star runner Femke Bol on the anchor leg. Great Britain's Amber Anning led Charlene Maudsley of Ireland. For Alexis Holmes of the USA it was almost like a victory lap.
She was so far clear. Behind her there was a battle for a place on the podium. Femke Boll had claimed second place with Great Britain third and Ireland fourth. The Jamaican baton had been accidentally knocked out of Knight's hand by the Irish runner Adaleki. The American quartet had missed the world record by a tenth of a second.
A wonderful exhibition of relay running by the all-conquering United States of America team to retain their gold medal. The Netherlands took the silver and Great Britain the bronze.