World Athletics Relays Championships Bahamas 2024 - Preview
Global gold medalists Noah Lyles, Steven Gardiner, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Femke Bol, Marcell Jacobs, and Devynne Charlton are set to headline the World Athletics Relays Championships taking place May 4 to 5 at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.
The top 14 teams from each event at the World Relays will secure automatic qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris, with the remaining two spots per discipline determined by rankings from December 31, 2022, to June 30, 2024. Competition for Olympic qualification will be fierce throughout the two-day event.
On the first day, the leading two teams from each heat will advance to the finals and simultaneously earn their spot for the Paris Olympics. The second day will see teams vying for prize money and favorable lane positions, with additional rounds providing further chances for Olympic qualification.
Here's a rundown of the teams competing at the World Relays Championships this weekend.
Men’s 4x100 relay:
The U.S. team, world champions from Budapest in 2023, will feature Noah Lyles, who anchored them to victory. He will be joined by Olympic silver medalist Kenny Bednarek, season leader Courtney Lindsey, and NCAA Indoor Championships third-placer PJ Austin. Notably, Lyles clocked impressive times this season, including a wind-assisted 9.96 seconds at the Bermuda Games.
The Canadian team, 2022 world champions from Eugene, includes seasoned sprinters Brandon Rodney, Jerome Blake, Aaron Brown, and André De Grasse. Italy, 2021 World Relays and Olympic champions, returns with a strong lineup including Marcell Jacobs and Filippo Tortu, aiming to repeat their past success.
Jamaica and Great Britain also present formidable teams, featuring top sprinters like Ackeem Blake, Ryiem Forde, Kadrian Goldson, Zharnel Hughes, and Reece Prescod, all ready to challenge for medals.
Women’s 4x100 relay:
Jamaica leads with Olympic gold medalists like Natasha Morrison and Remona Burchell. The U.S. team includes 2023 world champions Gabby Thomas and Tamari Davis. Great Britain, Germany, and Italy also boast strong squads with top athletes such as Asha Phillip, Gina Luckenkemper, and Zaynab Dosso, poised for impressive performances.
Men’s 4x400 relay:
The U.S. team, featuring Bryce Deadmon and Champion Allison, aims to replicate their Olympic and World Championships success. Belgium’s team, led by Alexander Doom, looks to defend their indoor world title. The Netherlands, Botswana, and Jamaica also field strong contenders, enhancing the event's competitive edge.
Women’s 4x400 relay:
The U.S. team, perennial champions at the World Relays, faces strong competition from the Netherlands, led by Femke Bol, and other top teams like Jamaica and Great Britain. Each squad is keen to leave a mark, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Mixed 4x400 relay:
This event promises a riveting showdown with teams from the Netherlands, the U.S., and the Dominican Republic featuring top athletes like Matthew Boling and Marileidy Paulino. The host nation, Bahamas, aims to excel in front of a home crowd with stars like Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
Overall, the World Athletics Relays Championships in Nassau is set to be a highlight of the athletic season, showcasing global talents and intense competition for Olympic qualification.
