USA triumphs in mixed 4x100m in Budapest

Kayla White anchors the USA to victory in the mixed 4x100m in Budapest (© Getty Images)

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 got off to an explosive start as the USA triumphed in the opening discipline, the mixed 4x100m, winning in 39.64 – the second-fastest time in history.

Four months after finishing a distant third at the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, the sprints powerhouse came out on top in Budapest, turning the tables on World Relays winners Jamaica.

Ronnie Baker, part of USA's triumphant squad in the men's 4x100m at last year's World Championships, got his team off to a strong start before handing over to Anavia Battle. Jamaica, meanwhile, were also in contention thanks to the efforts of Ackeem Blake and Tina Clayton in the first half.

Courtney Lindsey maintained the USA's lead on the third leg and then handed over to Kayle White, whose storming anchor leg secured the first victory of the Ultimate Championship in 39.64, just 0.02 shy of the world record that Jamaica had set in Gaborone.

Jamaica finished second here in 39.72 with European champions Great Britain & NI taking third in 40.26.

"It's really exciting to be the first ever Ultimate champions," said Baker. "The crowd is amazing and I really love the event itself, and the trophy is amazing. But it's also pretty heavy so I will need to keep it away from my kid!"

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics