Smooth running from British sprint relay teams in Paris

Both teams are on a mission to make the podium at the 2024 Olympics, especially after the men’s disappointment in Tokyo

British sprint relay teams breezed through their heats on Thursday (Aug 8) and into the finals at the Paris Olympics.

British Paris Olympics

The men’s quartet of Jeremiah Azu, Louie Hinchliffe, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished third in 38.04 behind the United States (37.47) and South Africa (37.94) as China won the other heat in 38.24.

In the women’s heats, Bianca Williams, Imani Lansiquot, Amy Hunt and Desiree Henry combined to win their race in 42.03 from France (42.13) and Jamaica (42.35) as the United States, anchored by Sha’Carri Richardson, won the other heat in 41.94 from Germany (42.15).

At the last Olympics, of course, the British men’s team won 4x100m silver behind Italy but lost their medals after CJ Ujah tested positive, while the women’s team took bronze behind the United States and winners Jamaica.

Hinchliffe and Kilty particularly seemed to enjoy teaming up and they had a great changeover. “It was a slick changeover,” Hinchliffe said. “We’re from the north, we both grew up in the same environment, so it’s so easy. We are in sync with each other and spend so much time with each other.”

Louie Hinchliffe and Richard Kilty (Getty)

Hinchliffe is just 22 and from Sheffield, whereas Middlesbrough-born Kilty, 34, is the elder statesman of the squad. He agreed: “We’re two northern souls who’ve come together. It’s great to have Louie in the team. He’s the future.

“It’s great to have him take the baton from the older guys – it’ll be my last Olympics, maybe Nethaneel’s too, but these guys are the future and it’s an honour to share the track with them.”

Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake (Getty)

On the women’s performance, Lansiquot said: “We are unbelievably confident. This not just a week, or two weeks or a year in the making, this is eight years, two Olympic cycles in the making. Confidence we have as a team is through the roof. The final will be really exciting for sure.”

Hunt added: “It was incredible, the energy was insane. We just had to make sure we got it around safely. We have such strength as a squad.”

Sha’Carri Richardson (Getty)

Both finals are on Friday (Aug 9) in the penultimate evening session at the Stade de France.

“Faster times are coming in the final!” said Henry.