World Athletics Relays Championships Day 1: World Records and Multiple World Leads in Gaborone
The opening day of the World Athletics Relays delivered a spectacular blend of history, speed, and emerging global depth, as teams battled through the preliminary rounds on Saturday, May 2, in Gaborone, Botswana. With qualification for both the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027 and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships on the line, the intensity was immediate—and the performances reflected it. A world record in the mixed 4x100m, multiple national records, and a series of world-leading marks highlighted a thrilling first day, setting the stage for a high-stakes finale on Sunday.
Jamaica stole the spotlight early, setting a stunning world record in the mixed 4x100 relay heats before also dominating the women’s 4x100 heats. Canada emerged as the fastest team in the men’s 4x100 with 37.56, while Great Britain and Australia impressed in the 4x400 relays, clocking 3:21.28 and 2:57.30 respectively to secure victories in their heats.
The qualification format added further urgency: the top two teams in each of the three heats plus the next two fastest advanced to the final and automatically secured places for the World Championships in Beijing 2027. Meanwhile, the top six teams in Sunday’s final will earn spots at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest next September.
Mixed 4x100 Relay Heats
Jamaica’s quartet of Ackeem Blake, Tina Clayton, Kadrian Goldson, and Tia Clayton delivered a historic performance, storming to a world record of 39.99 in the third heat—the first-ever sub-40-second run in the event. Great Britain followed in 40.72.
“It is an honour to represent our country… we are great athletes, we are super fast, and we knew that we could expect that,” said Tina Clayton.
Earlier, Canada had briefly held the world record after winning the first heat in 40.07, ahead of Germany, the Netherlands, and Nigeria—all dipping under the previous global mark.
“We started the meeting very well with a world record… I believe we can do better than that,” added Audrey Leduc.
The USA claimed the second heat in 40.36, edging Spain (40.51).
Women’s 4x100 Relay Heats
Jamaica continued their dominance as Shericka Jackson, Jodean Williams, Lavanya Williams, and Jonielle Smith clocked a leading 41.96 to win the third heat. Germany followed in 42.44.
“The goal is to win the gold… I love it here and the people are so welcoming,” said Jackson.
Spain won the opening heat in 42.26 ahead of Canada, while China topped another heat in 42.62. Portugal made history, improving their national record to 43.11 to qualify for the World Championships for the first time.
Men’s 4x100 Relay Heats
The USA set the tone with a world-leading 37.77 in the first heat, while Botswana thrilled the home crowd as Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo powered them to a national record of 37.96.
“It is about getting the youngsters motivated… we want to develop for the country,” said Tebogo.
Canada responded with an even faster 37.56 in the second heat, just 0.06 shy of their Olympic gold-winning time. South Africa and Great Britain also impressed, winning their heats in 37.68 and finishing close behind respectively.
Men’s 4x400 Relay Heats
Australia produced one of the standout performances of the day, clocking a world-leading 2:57.30 and breaking a decades-old Oceanian record.
Botswana followed closely in 2:57.52—the third fastest time in World Relays history—while South Africa took another heat in 2:58.04. Portugal and Zimbabwe also set national records (2:59.01), underlining the depth across the field.
Women’s 4x400 Relay Heats
Spain, the defending champions, opened strongly with a 3:24.44 victory, while Canada posted the fastest time across all heats with 3:23.52.
Great Britain then raised the bar, delivering a world-leading 3:21.28—the second-fastest time in World Relays history.
“The atmosphere was electric… Botswana brought the energy,” said Laviai Nielsen.
Mixed 4x400 Relay Heats
The mixed 4x400 relay delivered unprecedented depth, with four teams breaking 3:10—more than in all previous editions combined.
The USA initially led with 3:09.82, but Great Britain closed the day even faster at 3:09.69. Kenya set an African record (3:09.87), while Australia improved the Oceanian record to 3:10.57.
With records falling, nations rewriting history, and qualification stakes at their highest, Day 1 in Gaborone delivered a powerful statement: the global relay scene has never been deeper or faster. All eyes now turn to Sunday’s finals, where medals—and more history—await.
