Davies, American Women Win 4x1 Gold


Thelma Davies and the American women won gold in the 4x100 meter relay at the Pan-American U20 Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Davies provided the leadoff leg for Team USA, which rolled to the victory in a very quick 43.51. It's not far off the meet record of 43.38 set in 1999 by an American relay.

On the first leg, Davies held strong with the Jamaican team and Briana Williams to her outside. She got the baton in Semira Killebrew's hands, who made up the stagger on Jamaica. Running the third leg, Caisja Chandler extended the lead, giving it to Brandee Presley, who ran a strong anchor to bring home the win.


"I feel pretty good, especially with last year, dropping the baton," Davies said, referencing her unfortunate error at the IAFF U20 World Championships last summer. "I just had to do redemption and come out here and help my team win."

Jamaica took second in a distant 44.36. Canada was third in 44.42 to grab bronze.

A day earlier, Davies took second in a very close women's 100 meter final to Jamaica's Williams. Now she'll return to the U.S. with a gold and a silver medal.

Saturday officially closes out Davies' storied prep career. Bound for LSU in the fall, the Girard College graduate has certainly left her mark on Pennsylvania and the United States.