Thompson-Herah Anchors Jamaica to Relay Gold on Return To The Global Stage

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah leads Jamaican foursome to 42.00s victory as recovery journey continues. “We came with a goal and we stuck to it. We executed today, and I’m grateful for that,” she said

Thompson-Herah guides Jamaica to relay gold (Photo: Gettyimages)

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah made a golden return to the global stage, anchoring Jamaica to the women’s 4x100m title at the World Athletics Relays 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana, on Sunday.

The sprint legend led the Jamaican foursome of Briana Williams, Jodean Williams and Lavanya Williams to a winning time of 42.00 seconds, easing up as she crossed the line ahead of Canada and Spain.

The Canadian quartet including Marie-Éloïse Leclair and Audrey Leduc, both of whom returned from the mixed 4x100m team that finished runner-up just 20 minutes earlier stormed to a national record of 42.17 for another second-place finish. Spain followed in 42.31 to complete the podium.

Reflecting on the performance, Thompson-Herah noted that the run forms part of her ongoing recovery process. “I must say we’re grateful that we got it done and stayed healthy,” she said. “Coming into the straight, my leg felt heavy. I could feel the hamstring, so I told myself I had to bring the team home.”

“We came with a goal and we stuck to it. We executed today, and I’m grateful for that,” she added. “I would say yes, this is part of my process, part of my building.”