GABORONE, BOTSWANA : The Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 opens this weekend with one spotlight event already drawing the world’s attention: the mixed 4×400 metres relay. The United States — reigning world champions, world record-holders and defending World Relays title-holders — are favourites once again as the event gets under way at the Botswana National Stadium.
USA: Proven Speed and Motivation
Team USA enters the mixed 4×400m with a formidable pedigree. Their last World Relays victory came in 2025, when they clocked 3:09.54 — a competition record and their only relay title of that year. They followed that by capturing the world title in Tokyo, though a baton mishap derailed their hopes at this year’s World Indoor Championships. That setback adds extra motivation for the squad in Botswana.
Among the key athletes named in the USA squad are Bryce Deadmon — a two-time world relay gold medallist and part of the world record team — and Jenoah McKiver, both bringing experience from last season’s World Championships.
Eight to Final, Twelve to Beijing
The stakes in Gaborone extend beyond relay medals. Twelve teams will secure automatic qualification to the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27:
Top two in each of the four heats advance directly to the final and earn a Beijing berth on day one. The remaining competitors return on day two for repechage heats, where the top two in each of those races earn the last four championship places.
In addition, the top six teams in Gaborone secure spots for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this September.
A Global Relay Field with European and Commonwealth Threats
Although USA are favourites, several nations have reason to be competitive:
Netherlands: Olympic gold medallists in 2024, though they will compete without Femke Bol.
Belgium: World indoor mixed 4×400m champions with 2024 world 400m champion Alexander Doom in the squad.
Spain: World indoor silver medallists and strong relay performers at recent global meets.
Poland: Olympic champions in 2021 and world indoor bronze medallists this year.
Great Britain & Northern Ireland: Olympic bronze medallists in 2024 and historically third-fastest in the discipline.
Italy, Australia and Jamaica also bring depth and relay experience.
What to Expect This Weekend
With finals looming on 3 May, tactical precision and smooth baton exchanges will be crucial. The mixed 4×400m remains unpredictable despite the USA’s strong credentials, and several teams have shown they can produce medal-winning performances .
As the world’s best relayers line up in Gaborone, the blend of veteran experience and emerging talent promises an electrifying start to a weekend of qualification drama and championship racing.
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