The mixed 4x100m relay heats at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou delivered unexpected drama as Belgium claimed victory in the first heat, edging out strong competition from Australia, who secured the second automatic qualifying spot. Meanwhile, Jamaica, a perennial sprint powerhouse, finished a disappointing sixth and failed to qualify for the final.
Belgium’s team executed smooth baton exchanges and maintained consistent speed throughout the race, crossing the line first and setting the tone for the event. On the other side, Australia followed closely, showing resilience and precision to clinch the second qualifying position.
Both teams secured their places in Sunday’s final, where medals and qualification spots for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will be decided.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s sixth-place finish came as a shock to many, given the country’s rich sprinting heritage and recent strong performances in relay events. Despite featuring talented athletes, the Jamaican squad struggled with baton exchanges and maintaining a competitive pace against well-prepared rivals.
Their failure to advance highlights the unforgiving nature of relay racing, where even slight errors or missteps can derail a team’s chances. This result puts added pressure on Jamaica’s other relay squads to perform in upcoming events as the competition intensifies.
Now, fans and experts will watch closely to see how Belgium and Australia capitalise on their momentum in the final, while Jamaica looks to regroup and reclaim its status among the world’s sprinting elite.