Events Encyclopedia Entry 1781979365
SUMMARY: The 1996 Summer Olympics' Women's 4x100m Relay is a historic event that showcased the world's fastest women in a thrilling display of speed and teamwork.
Overview
The Women's 4x100m Relay is a track and field event at the Summer Olympics, where four athletes from the same country run 100 meters each, with the fastest cumulative time determining the winner. This event has been a staple of the Olympic Games since the inaugural women's relay in 1928. The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, witnessed a remarkable performance by the United States team, which still holds the world record in this event.
The Women's 4x100m Relay is a test of speed, endurance, and teamwork. Each athlete must run a perfect leg, with the baton being passed smoothly from one runner to the next. The event requires strategic planning, precise timing, and a deep understanding of the track and the competition. The 1996 Olympics saw a highly competitive field, with several teams vying for the gold medal.
History/Background
The Women's 4x100m Relay has its roots in the early 20th century, when women's track and field events were first introduced at the Olympics. The inaugural women's relay was held at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, with the United States team winning the gold medal. Over the years, the event has evolved, with changes in the rules and the introduction of new technologies to improve timing and measurement. The 1996 Olympics marked a significant milestone in the history of the event, as the United States team set a new world record that still stands today.
Key Information
The 1996 Women's 4x100m Relay was contested on July 31, 1996, at the Centennial Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The United States team, consisting of Gail Devers, Carlette Guidry, Inger Miller, and Gwen Torrence, set a new world record with a time of 41.95 seconds. This performance not only won the gold medal but also shattered the previous world record by over a second.
The United States team's achievement was all the more remarkable considering the strong competition they faced. The Nigerian team, led by Faith Idehen, was a close second, finishing with a time of 42.20 seconds. The Jamaican team, featuring Dahlia Duhaney, Michelle Freeman, and Juliet Cuthbert, took the bronze medal with a time of 42.25 seconds.
Significance
The 1996 Women's 4x100m Relay was a historic event that showcased the world's fastest women in a thrilling display of speed and teamwork. The United States team's world record performance not only won the gold medal but also cemented their status as one of the greatest relay teams in Olympic history. The event's significance extends beyond the athletic achievement, as it highlights the importance of teamwork, strategy, and dedication in achieving success at the highest level.
INFOBOX:
- Name: Women's 4x100m Relay
- Type: Track and Field Event
- Date: July 31, 1996
- Location: Centennial Olympic Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Known For: Setting a new world record with a time of 41.95 seconds
TAGS: Olympic Games, Track and Field, Women's Relay, World Record, Summer Olympics, Atlanta 1996, Centennial Olympic Stadium, Gail Devers, Carlette Guidry, Inger Miller, Gwen Torrence.
