Jamaica Shocked as Great Britain Steals Gold in 4x100m Relay at World Relays
It was a jaw-dropping moment in Guangzhou at the 2025 World Athletics Relays. Jamaica—long hailed as a sprinting superpower—was handed a stunning defeat in the women’s 4x100m final. The shocker? Great Britain, not known for dominating this event, surged past sprinting icons like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson to seize gold. Spain took silver, while Jamaica, the overwhelming favorite, was left with bronze.
Jamaica fielded a dream team: Natasha Morrison, Tina Clayton, Fraser-Pryce, and Jackson. Their combined personal bests promised an unstoppable force. Jackson runs 10.65 seconds, Fraser-Pryce 10.60, Clayton 10.95, and Morrison 10.85—on paper, a dominant lineup. They posted 42.33 seconds in the final. But despite a narrow lead handed to Jackson on the final leg, Britain’s anchor, Success Eduan, unleashed a powerful finish. She overtook Spain, then stunned the crowd by catching and passing Jackson in the final meters. Great Britain clocked 42.21 seconds, Spain followed at 42.28, and Jamaica trailed just behind.
Many wondered: What went wrong? And more importantly—what if Leah Anderson had been there?
Leah Anderson, 25, has been in excellent form in the 400m this season, clocking a best of 51.15 seconds. Though not typically a 100m runner, her versatility and current conditioning could have strengthened the Jamaican squad. Yet, she wasn’t selected. The decision came from her coach, Derrick Adkins, who prioritized her long-term development over short-term competition. After a draining experience at the World Indoor Championships, Anderson faced nutritional and energy challenges, especially due to international travel. Adkins explained that they declined the Jamaican federation’s relay invite to preserve her readiness for the national trials in June.
“It wasn’t an injury,” Adkins clarified. “It was dietary. She dropped weight and didn’t have the energy.” Anderson’s natural weight sits around 110 pounds, but they aim for 115 for optimal performance. A miscalculated diet change and the prospect of another draining trip to China led them to opt out.
Still, the timing of her absence sparks questions. Could her addition have tipped the scales in Jamaica’s favor?
Jamaica’s struggles weren’t new. Signs of baton exchange issues and lack of cohesion were evident during the May 4 heats. Despite having a powerful quartet—Fraser-Pryce, Jackson, and both Clayton twins—they narrowly made the finals after Spain outperformed them in their heat with a national record.
The final result left Shericka Jackson visibly stunned at the finish line. Even with a lineup packed with legends, something was missing—timing, chemistry, or possibly just that one strategic decision to include a rising star like Leah Anderson.
This loss will sting for Jamaican fans and raise crucial questions heading into the World Championships. But for Great Britain, it marks a new era—an emphatic victory against the titans of track.