SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Sha’Carri Richardson saved the Americans from a near collapse in the Olympic 4×100-meter relay on Thursday by beating a German runner in the final leg, helping the Americans win their heat and move into the gold medal race.

The U.S. men, who have not won a medal in the event since 2004, advanced comfortably despite a minor setback. In the strangest twist of all, it was the Jamaican men who struggled with the baton and will be sitting on the sidelines for Friday’s final.

In the women’s race, Richardson was about three steps back after receiving the baton from Gabby Thomas, who had previously nearly lost touch when she switched with Twanisha Terry.

This put Richardson behind Rebekka Haase, but the silver medalist in the 100 meters was able to overtake Haase at the finish. The USA won in 41.94 seconds, 0.19 seconds ahead of the Germans.

Despite a difficult first exchange, the men’s team cruised to victory in 37.47 seconds. Christian Coleman handed the racket to Fred Kerley with his right hand while holding Kerley’s wrist with his left hand to ensure that the racket was secure.

Kerley, Kyree King and Courtney Lindsey raced out from there to take the win, and the USA beat South Africa by nearly half a second. Two of the country’s top sprinters, Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, were missing from the squad as they prepare for the 200-meter final on Thursday night.

Jamaica, which won all three relay races at the Olympics when Usain Bolt was still a part of the team, looked like a very different team this time. A poor first change put them behind, and when 100m silver medallist Kishane Thompson started too fast and then had to slow down to receive the baton for the final lap, Jamaica were finished.

Thompson finished fourth, meaning the Jamaican women only have a chance to add to the country’s only sprint medal in Paris so far in the 4×100-meter race.

None of this team’s best sprinters of the last decade – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson or Elaine Thompson-Herah – were on the team that finished third in its heat.

No team entered the qualifying race with a stronger lineup than the U.S. women, but things nearly came to a halt when Thomas got off to an early start on the third leg and then had to slow down to take the baton from Terry.

Both sprinters seemed to have the baton in their hands when Thomas crossed the yellow line that marked the end of the overtaking zone, which meant overtaking in accordance with the rules.

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