Swimming: Australia set Olympic record on way to gold medal glory in women’s 4x100m relay

The best swimmers in the world jumped into the pool at París La Défense Arena on Saturday, 27 July for the women’s 4x100metres relay, as Australia swam their way to a gold medal and an Olympic record at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with a time of 3:28.92. The United States grabbed the silver and set an American record with a time of 3:30.20, followed by the People’s Republic of China, who took home the bronze with 3:30.30.

This Australian group featured Shayna Jack, Mollie O'Callaghan, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon. McKeon, who swam the third leg of the relay, is now the winningest gold medallist in Australian history with six golds. She surpassed men's swimmer Ian Thorpe, who last competed at Athens 2004. The Australians led from the outset as the United States and the People’s Republic of China battled for the silver.

"[There's] so many people I would dedicate this to, my parents who are in the stands and my partner Joel, he's here tonight too, which is really special," Jack said. "There's no words for the amount of support they've given me up to this point. My coach Dean, he is my backbone when I can't stand at times, so I'm immensely grateful to him, and all the sponsors that helped me get to this point."

The United States earned the silver after making a late push but were unable to overtake Australia. This group was propelled by Simone Manuel, Kate Douglass, Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh.

*"*It feels good to be back here. I didn't know if I would ever be performing at this level again. So just to kind of have the full-circle moment of being on this relay again from 2021 to now, but just in a happier and healthier place, I think is really special," said Manuel.

The People’s Republic of China spent time in second but eventually fell to third and the bronze medal, led by Cheng Yujie, Wu Qingfeng, Yang Junxuan, and Zhang Yufei.

Swimming: Women's 4x100m freestyle relay podium

Gold: Australia

Silver: United States

Bronze: People’s Republic of China