At the World Athletics Relays 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana, Jamaica set a new mixed 4x100m world record of 39.99 seconds. This achievement came just minutes after Canada briefly held the record with a time of 40.07 seconds.
The competition marked the first time the World Athletics Relays were held in Africa. Twelve teams competed in each of the six events for automatic qualification to the World Championships.
Jamaica also led the women’s 4x100m heats with a time of 41.96 seconds. The U.S. qualified for three relays for the upcoming World Championships in Beijing.
Key statistics:
- Jamaica’s mixed 4x100m world record: 39.99 seconds
- Canada’s previous mixed 4x100m world record: 40.07 seconds
- U.S. mixed 4x100m heat time: 40.36 seconds
- Germany’s women’s 4x100m heat time: 42.44 seconds
Reactions from athletes highlighted the significance of these performances. Tina Clayton expressed pride in representing her country, stating, “It is an honour to represent our country and we wear our colours with pride.” Meanwhile, Letsile Tebogo emphasized the importance of introducing the mixed relay into championships.
Officials noted that teams will compete in finals to qualify for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. This event is expected to further enhance the profile of athletics in Africa and showcase emerging talent.
