South Africa storm into 4x100m final as Jamaican heartbreak rocks Paris 2024 Olympics

South Africa have secured a spot in the final of the men's 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, joining powerhouses USA and Great Britain in the showpiece event.

The South African quartet of Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine, without the country's record holder, produced a blistering display to finish second in their heat with a time of 37.94 seconds, just behind the USA's 37.47 – the fastest time of the day.

The home crowd at the Stade de France erupted as the French team also booked their place in the final with a time of 38.34, but there was a major shock as perennial medalists Jamaica failed to make the cut.

The Jamaican team, who had won bronze in the event at the 2023 World Championships, suffered a poor changeover in the final leg, ultimately missing out on a place in the final with a time of 38.45 seconds.

This result means South Africa, the latest to make Africa proud after Zambia's Muzala Samukonga, could add to their tally of four medals so far at the Paris Games, further bolstering their already impressive performance.

South Africa currently lead the medals standing for African nations after one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. 

USA: 37.47

South Africa: 37.94

Great Britain: 38.04

Japan: 38.06

Italy: 38.07

People's Republic of China: 38.24

France: 38.34

Canada: 38.39

The stage is set for a thrilling final on Friday, as the world's top sprinting nations battle it out for the coveted Olympic 4x100m title on Friday.