Follow Us on Google
By Joe Apu
Jamaica delivered a stunning performance to set a new mixed 4x100m world record at the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, igniting the competition in spectacular fashion on Saturday.
The Jamaican quartet of Ackeem Blake, Tina Clayton, Kadrian Goldson and Tia Clayton stormed to victory in heat three, clocking a historic 39.99 seconds to become the first team to break the 40-second barrier in the event.
Their record-breaking run eclipsed the previous mark of 40.07 seconds set earlier in the day by Canada in heat one, which itself had improved on the 40.30 world best recorded at the event’s debut at the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 2025.
Competing under the newly introduced running order of man, woman, man, woman, Blake handed over to Tina Clayton, who passed the baton to Goldson before Tia Clayton powered home unchallenged to seal the landmark achievement. Great Britain & Northern Ireland finished second in the heat in 40.72 seconds.
Canada’s team of Eliezer Adjibi, Marie-Éloise Leclair, Duan Asemota and Audrey Leduc had earlier set the pace with their 40.07 effort, with Leduc producing a strong anchor leg to hold off Germany (40.15), the Netherlands (40.20) and Nigeria (40.24), all of whom dipped below the previous world best.
Nigeria’s quartet not only advanced to the mixed 4x100m final but also secured qualification for the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027, finishing among the fastest teams across the heats.
In heat two, the United States claimed victory in 40.36 seconds ahead of Spain, who posted 40.51.
The top two teams from each heat, along with the next two fastest, progressed to Sunday’s final, where teams will also compete for qualification to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 2026. The top six finishers in the final will secure places for that competition.
Other News
Meanwhile, World Athletics on Saturday officially announced the prize money breakdown for the global relay championship, with gold medal-winning teams set to receive $40,000 according to BSNSports.com.
According to the athletics governing body, silver medalists will earn $20,000, while bronze medal winners will take home $10,000.
Teams that finish in fourth place will receive $8,000, while fifth-placed teams are expected to earn $6,000. Sixth-place finishers will pocket $4,000, with teams finishing seventh and eighth receiving $2,000 each.
The competition in Botswana is expected to attract some of the best relay teams from across the world as countries battle not only for medals and prize money but also qualification spots for upcoming major international championships.
Nigeria will be hoping to make a strong impression at the event with its relay teams targeting podium finishes and valuable ranking points.
Qualified Teams for Mixed 4x100m Final and World Championships
Heat 1: Canada (40.07 WR), Germany (40.15), Netherlands (40.20), Nigeria (40.24)
Heat 2: United States (40.36), Spain (40.51)
Heat 3: Jamaica (39.99 WR), Great Britain & Northern Ireland (40.72)
