The U.S. women have dominated the 4×400 meter relay, as they’ve won each of the last five Olympic gold medals. The last time they didn’t win: 1992, when the Unified Team took gold with the Americans finishing second. Courtney Okolo, Taylor Ellis-Watson, Francena McCrory and Phyllis Francis ran their qualifying heat in 3:21.42, the best time of any quartet. And given the recent history in the event, the U.S. will be expected to once again take gold regardless of who runs in the final.
For the final, the order for the U.S. will be Okolo, Natasha Hastings, Francis and Allyson Felix.