OREGON, USA – Despite running a national under-20 record 3:18.78, Jamaica’s mixed 4x400m finished fourth in the final, just outside the medals, on Wednesday’s opening day of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

It was the fastest mixed 4x400m ever at the under-20 level with six of the eight teams that finished the race breaking their national records.

Neil Harrison, who was part of the coaching staff that organised the team, told Observer Online they were hoping to have come away with a medal but a national record was a good consolation.

“A medal was the objective but with a national record, that is still good,” he said, adding “I think they ran their hearts out but came up just short and we give thanks none the less.”

The Jamaican coaches made two changes to the team that won their semi-final heat in the morning in 3:21.47, bringing in Jason Pitter for Jordan Rehedul and Kevongaye Fowler for Shameika McLean.

Harrison said they were strategic in making the changes.

“Pitter was added as we knew the level we were going to face and we replaced McLean as she will be running the 400m individual (Thursday) morning and we thought Fowler was a viable option.”

Jamaica, who lowered their previous record 3:19.74 set in Cali, Colombia in 2022, looked in contention for a medal until the last 150 metres with the USA winning with a Championship Record 3:15.31, breaking the record 3:17.69 they set in Cali in 2022.

Czechia was second in a national under-20 record 3:18.16 ahead of Australia who took the bronze with a national under-20 record 3:18.45.
-Paul A Reid