WRITTEN FOR THE IAAF WEBSITE

As expected, the American quartet established their dominance from the outset of the event, flying to a swift 3:23.85 third straight victory and a championship record to boot.

Claiming their fourth 4x400m relay gold in the past five editions – and their 13th medal in the 32-year history of the championship – USA fielded a fierce team which included the individual 400m gold and silver medalists.

Asserting their presence from the gun, 2016 world indoor 400m bronze medalist, Quanera Hayes clocked a useful 51.56 split to pass over to 2012 400m hurdles fifth placer, Georganne Moline who surprised with a fine two laps in 50.87.

Enjoying a narrow lead over Poland and Jamaica for much of the contest, it was the 400m silver medalist – Shakima Wimbley’s turn and with a 51.27 split, she gave 400m champion, Courtney Okolo a slight advantage.

The Olympic and reigning world indoor relay gold medalist duly sped to a lightning fast 50.15 split, which was quicker than her 50.55 lifetime best in the individual final.

Hayes revealed afterwards:

“We came together as a team as we always do. We don’t train together during the normal season but as soon as put USA across our chest, everything else goes out of the window. We came out saying we are going to give our all.”

Moline said:

“Great competition is always going to make you run faster and that’s what we did today.”

Wimbley explained afterwards:

“We all have great chemistry, the goal was to come here and represent USA as best we can. We have a strong history in the 4x400m.”

Okolo said:

“I just tried to run my best race, tactically as smart as I could – the team made a great lead for me.”

Poland meanwhile, claimed the silver medal in a 3:26.09 national record, with 400m fourth placer Justina Swiety-Ersetic – the European indoor 400m bronze medalist – lining up as their lead-off runner.

In bronze, the Great British squad delighted the home crowd with a 3:29.38 season’s best, and the 2012 champions utilised 400m sixth placer, Zoe Clark on the last leg in the absence of 400m bronze medalist, Eilidh Doyle who decided to rest a minor injury.

Ukraine ran a 3:31.32 season’s best for fourth place, whilst the Italian team ran a 3:31.55 national record in fifth.

Jamaica however, were disqualified from the silver medal position for a changeover violation.