Powerhouse relay nations Poland and the Netherlands have unveiled their formidable squads for the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China on May 10-11.
The event, a critical qualifying opportunity for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, promises thrilling clashes on the track as both teams chase glory and ranking points.
Natalia Bukowiecka Leads Poland’s Charge in Guangzhou
Poland’s contingent will be spearheaded by Olympic 400m bronze medallist Natalia Bukowiecka (née Kaczmarek), fresh from her golden run at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships. Despite enduring an injury-disrupted indoor season, Bukowiecka’s transition to the outdoor circuit marks a fresh start, as she eyes a strong performance in Guangzhou.
The Polish squad, competing across all relay events, men’s and women’s 4x100m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, the mixed 4x400m, and the newly introduced mixed 4x100m, will feature a mix of experienced stalwarts and rising stars.
Among the familiar faces is the ever-reliable Justyna Święty-Ersetic, a 400m gold medallist from the 2018 Berlin European Championships and a Tokyo 2020 mixed 4x400m Olympic champion. She’s joined by Aleksandra Formella, a key member of Poland’s silver medal-winning women’s 4x400m squad at this year’s World Indoor Championships in Nanjing.
Adding youthful zest to the team is Marek Zakrzewski, the reigning European U20 champion in both the 100m and 200m. His inclusion signals Poland’s intent to balance experience with emerging talent as they aim for podium finishes in Guangzhou.
Dutch Sprint Heavyweights Aim for Relay Dominance
Equally impressive is the Netherlands’ roster, with a blend of Olympic and European champions primed for the Guangzhou showdown. Headlining their men’s 4x400m team is Eugene Omalla, a key figure in the Dutch mixed relay team that struck Olympic gold in Paris last year. He will team up with Nick Smidt, a double gold medallist at the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships, ensuring the Dutch 4x400m remains a formidable force.
Notably, the Netherlands will abstain from fielding women’s or mixed 4x400m relay squads in Guangzhou, confident that their current world rankings — both in second place — will secure them direct qualification for Tokyo. Sprint fans can, however, look forward to seeing their men’s and women’s 4x100m relay teams in action.
The men’s 4x100m squad features Roma 2024 silver medallists Elvis Afrifa, Taymir Burnet, and Xavi Mo-Ajok. Meanwhile, the women’s line-up includes Marije van Hunenstijn and Minke Bisschops, both part of the bronze-medal winning team from the European Championships in Roma.
The World Athletics Relays serve as a key qualification event for the World Championships, with final rankings and time standards determining automatic spots for Tokyo. With national pride and global rankings on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both Poland and the Netherlands — historically strong relay nations — will be aiming to fine-tune their baton exchanges and test their depth ahead of a packed athletics calendar.
