The 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou delivered an electrifying start as Jamaica clinched a narrow victory over Great Britain in the mixed 4x100m relay heat. Both powerhouse teams pushed the limits in a race that showcased speed, precision, and fierce competition, setting the tone for what promises to be a riveting relay showdown.
Jamaica’s mixed relay squad, featuring Olympic stars Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Kishane Thompson, and Yohan Blake, executed a near-flawless race. The team maintained strong momentum through each leg, with seamless baton exchanges and explosive sprinting.
Great Britain, led by European champion Amy Hunt and seasoned sprinters Asha Phillip and others, kept pace throughout, challenging Jamaica every step of the way. The race came down to the final meters, with Jamaica edging out Great Britain by a fraction of a second to secure a top-two finish and automatic qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
This heat marked the debut of the mixed 4x100m relay on the global stage, adding new excitement and strategic complexity to the relays. Jamaica’s running order followed the woman-woman-man-man format, which tested teams’ ability to balance speed and baton precision across genders.
Jamaica’s victory not only demonstrated their sprinting depth but also their growing mastery of this novel event. Both teams now advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face other top qualifiers, including the United States, Canada, Italy, and host nation China.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Jamaica’s narrow win over Great Britain signals a thrilling relay season ahead. Fans worldwide can expect intense battles, tactical brilliance, and world-class sprinting as these teams vie for medals and coveted spots at the World Championships. The Guangzhou relays have begun with a statement: Jamaica remains a dominant force, but challengers like Great Britain are ready to push them to the limit.
