The United States quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown set a new world record in the 4x400m relay.
Brown finished 40 meters ahead, clocking in at 3:07.41, breaking the previous record of 3:08.80 set by another US team at last year’s World Championships.
France celebrated a national record of 3:10.60, earning them second place. Belgium, Jamaica, and Switzerland also set national records with times of 3:10.74, 3:11.06, and 3:12.77 respectively.
Great Britain claimed victory in the second heat with a national record of 3:10.61, finishing ahead of the Netherlands and Italy.
Nigeria, despite setting a national record of 3:11.99, missed out on the final eight qualifiers by one place.
In another highlight, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands began her ambitious campaign at Paris 2024, where she is competing in the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon.
The 31-year-old successfully advanced to Monday’s 5000m final, finishing second in her heat behind Faith Kipyegon, who won the world title in this distance last year.