Sha'Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas steer U.S. women to gold medal in 4x100 relay

SAINT-DENIS, France – A gold medal is coming back to the U.S. in the women’s 4x100 relay.

The star-powered U.S. women’s relay team featuring Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson, as well as Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, cruised to first place in the event, running a season-best 41.78.

Great Britain took second with a time of 41.85 and Germany ran a season-best for third in 41.97.

Thomas ran a good third leg but she was in third position when she handed the baton off to Richardson. Richardson ran a superb anchor leg and brought the victory home for the U.S. in rainy conditions.

"Obviously passing the baton to Sha'Carri is very special. She is so fast, you know we're in good hands when she gets her hand on the baton," Thomas said. "I felt very proud, and I was grateful to compete with these ladies, and we got the gold."

The U.S. women finished second in the Tokyo Olympics behind a star-studded Jamaican squad, but Jamaica was without all of its stars, such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah, due to various injuries.

The U.S. women were the far superior team on the track as they got through all their relay exchanges on the way to an Olympic gold medal.

The gold is Thomas’ second of these Olympics. She won the 200 on Tuesday, and it’s Richardson’s first Olympic gold. She placed second in the 100 last Saturday.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA wins women's 4x100 relay. Richardson, Thomas lead team to gold