Both teams are on a mission to make the podium at the 2024 Olympics, especially after the mens disappointment in Tokyo

British sprint relay teams breezed through their heats on Thursday (Aug 8) and into the finals at the Paris Olympics.

The mens quartet of Jeremiah Azu, Louie Hinchliffe, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished third in 38.04 behind the United States (37.47) and South Africa (37.94) as China won the other heat in 38.24.

In the womens heats, Bianca Williams, Imani Lansiquot, Amy Hunt and Desiree Henry combined to win their race in 42.03 from France (42.13) and Jamaica (42.35) as the United States, anchored by ShaCarri Richardson, won the other heat in 41.94 from Germany (42.15).

At the last Olympics, of course, the British mens team won 4x100m silver behind Italy but lost their medals after CJ Ujah tested positive, while the womens team took bronze behind the United States and winners Jamaica.

Hinchliffe and Kilty particularly seemed to enjoy teaming up and they had a great changeover. It was a slick changeover, Hinchliffe said. Were from the north, we both grew up in the same environment, so its so easy. We are in sync with each other and spend so much time with each other.

Hinchliffe is just 22 and from Sheffield, whereas Middlesbrough-born Kilty, 34, is the elder statesman of the squad. He agreed: Were two northern souls whove come together. Its great to have Louie in the team. Hes the future.

Its great to have him take the baton from the older guys itll be my last Olympics, maybe Nethaneels too, but these guys are the future and its an honour to share the track with them.

On the womens performance, Lansiquot said: We are unbelievably confident. This not just a week, or two weeks or a year in the making, this is eight years, two Olympic cycles in the making. Confidence we have as a team is through the roof. The final will be really exciting for sure.

Hunt added: It was incredible, the energy was insane. We just had to make sure we got it around safely. We have such strength as a squad.

Both finals are on Friday (Aug 9) in the penultimate evening session at the Stade de France.

Faster times are coming in the final! said Henry.