THREE years ago, at the London Olympic Games, the United States women's 4x100 metres relay quartet posted a world record 40.82 seconds to win gold.

The following year, at the World Championships in Moscow, Jamaica took gold in a national record 41.29.

Another intriguing battle is expected in Beijing as both countries will continue their fierce rivalry in the event and we could see the world record lowered.

The USA has gone sub-41seconds this year, but no Jamaican team has yet gone into that zone. This could all change in two weeks.

The United States has been busy with their stickwork this season, and with a season best of 41.96 seconds done at the Monaco Diamond League meet, they are the world leader.

A nightmare

Jamaica has the second fastest time in the event after their second-place 42.14 at the World Relays in the Bahamas.

The United States quartet is expected to be English Gardener, Allyson Felix, Janna Prendini, and Torie Bowie.

It would be difficult to envisage a Jamaican team comprising Natasha Morrison, Elaine Thompson, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce losing to the USA.

It could be a nightmare for the Jamaican coaching staff in selecting the final four. This is so because Fraser-Pryce, Campbell-Brown, and Sherone Simpson will all be doubling, and it will be interesting to see who will be rested for the final as only two can be replaced from the preliminary round.

Kerron Stewart is an alternate for the relay, but chances are she may not be even considered.

Thompson, who is the second fastest Jamaican this year with 10.86 seconds, has to run both rounds along with starter Morrison, while both

Campbell-Brown and Fraser-Pryce could be the two given the rest with Simpson and Stewart possibly running the first round.

TOP THREE

1. Jamaica (WR) 2. USA 3. Ukraine

- R.G.