The women's 4 × 100 metres relay competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was held at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange on 18–19 August.

Germany had the fastest time of the year before the event (41.62 seconds) and the other main medal contenders included Great Britain and Netherlands (all three made the 2016 European podium).

Felix pulled away down the backstretch, with Jamaica's double sprint gold medalist Elaine Thompson separating from the rest of the field.

As English Gardner ran a great turn, USA passed Germany in lane 4, while Jamaica was just about to make up the stagger on Trinidad and Tobago to their immediate outside.

By the time Gardner handed off to Tori Bowie, the USA had a 3-metre lead over Jamaica, Great Britain just ahead of Trinidad and Tobago racing for bronze.