Australia’s 4x100m relay team broke not only their own national record but also set a new Oceania record, guaranteeing their participation in the Olympic event for the first time since Sydney 2000. The quartet clocked in at 42.94 seconds, beating their previous record of 43.65 seconds that had stood for 24 years. Bree Masters, a member of the team, expressed her excitement and disbelief at achieving the automatic qualification spot.
Unfortunately, none of the other Australian teams were able to secure an Olympic quota on the opening day of competition. The men’s 4x100m relay team finished third in their heat behind Canada and Jamaica, with both teams clocking in times within the 38.50 range. The Australian women’s 4x400m relay team also fell short, finishing fourth in their heat and failing to make it to the finals. There is no Australian team entered in the mixed 4x400m event.
Despite not qualifying on the first day, there is still hope for Australia’s men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams and the men’s 4x100m team. They will have another opportunity to qualify on Sunday when they compete in an additional qualifying round. The top two teams from each heat will secure a spot at Paris 2024 Olympics.
Overall, Australia has made great strides in improving its athletics performance and securing a spot at one of the world’s most prestigious events.
