World Athletics Relays Day 2: Jamaica Breaks World Record Again, Botswana Takes Historic 4x400m Gold
The final day of the World Athletics Relays delivered a spectacular crescendo in Gaborone, Botswana, as world records, championship marks, and breakthrough performances defined a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, May 3. With global titles, qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027, and coveted places at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships on the line, the stakes could not have been higher—and the athletes responded with unforgettable performances across every relay discipline.
Jamaica once again headlined the action, breaking the world record in the mixed 4x100 relay final for the second time in two days, while Botswana electrified the home crowd with a historic victory in the men’s 4x400 relay. The United States dominated the sprints, claiming gold in both the men’s 4x100 and mixed 4x400 relays, while Norway stunned the field with a breakthrough win in the women’s 4x400 final.
Mixed 4x100 Relay Final
Jamaica’s quartet of Ackeem Blake, Tina Clayton, Kadrian Goldson, and Tia Clayton delivered another historic run, storming to a world record of 39.62 to claim gold.
“We came out here to execute… the mixed 4x100 is a good idea and I absolutely love it,” said Tina Clayton.
Canada, last year’s champions, secured silver in 40.23, while the United States took bronze in 40.33. All six finalists booked their places for the Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
Men’s 4x400 Relay Final
Botswana produced one of the most memorable moments of the championships, winning gold in a championship record of 2:54.47. The quartet of Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Collen Kebinatshipi thrilled the home fans with a national record and the third-fastest time in history.
“This was the best moment of the career… the crowd has held us together,” said Tebogo.
South Africa followed with 2:55.07—the fifth-fastest time ever—while Australia claimed bronze in 2:55.20.
Mixed 4x400 Relay Final
The United States delivered a dominant performance to win gold in a championship record of 3:07.47, missing the world record by just 0.06 seconds.
“This medal represents resilience, perseverance and consistency,” said Paris Peoples.
Jamaica earned silver with a national record of 3:09.84, while Great Britain surged to bronze ahead of Kenya in a tightly contested finish.
Men’s 4x100 Relay Final
The United States stormed to victory in a world-leading 37.43, confirming their sprint dominance.
“The atmosphere is really amazing… the crowd had us hyped,” said Ronnie Baker.
South Africa took silver in an African record of 37.49, while Germany completed the podium in 37.76.
Women’s 4x100 Relay Final
Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah anchored Jamaica to gold in 42.00, marking a triumphant step in her comeback from injury.
“I am grateful that I crossed the finish-line healthy… I knew I had to bring the team home,” she said.
Canada claimed silver in a national record 42.17, while Spain secured bronze in 42.31.
Women’s 4x400 Relay Final
Norway produced a stunning performance to win gold in a national record and world-leading 3:20.96, led by a blistering 48.91 anchor from Henriette Jaeger.
“We knew we were about to do something crazy… this medal has a special place in our hearts,” said Amalie Iuel.
Spain took silver in a national record 3:21.25, while Canada earned bronze in 3:22.66.
Second Qualification Round Highlights
The final day also featured crucial second-round qualifiers for the World Championships in Beijing. Italy and Portugal secured spots in the mixed 4x100, while Canada set a national record of 3:09.43 in the mixed 4x400 to advance.
Ireland, Poland, Senegal, Japan, France, Nigeria, and Australia were among the nations that successfully booked their remaining qualification places across the relay events.
From Jamaica’s record-breaking dominance to Botswana’s historic home triumph and Norway’s breakthrough gold, the final day in Gaborone encapsulated the evolution and excitement of global relay racing. With records shattered and new contenders emerging, the 2026 World Athletics Relays will be remembered as a landmark edition—one that raised the bar for the sport heading toward Beijing 2027 and beyond.
