‘We're hot': three Australian records set on stunning day at World Athletics Relays
Lachlan Kennedy leads 4x100m team to equal national record as 4x400m teams set new benchmarks
www.theguardian.comHere’s the latest on Australia and the World Athletics Relays record.
-
Australia set multiple national records at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, including the men’s 4x400m and the 4x100m teams, and a mixed 4x400m relays record, on opening days of competition [Guardian: “We’re hot”]. This marked a standout performance for Australian relays at the event, moving several squads into medal contention territory.[1]
-
The Australian men’s 4x400m relay then improved to 2:55.20 in the final, surpassing the 1984 Olympic mark and earning a bronze medal, while climbing into the top 8 on the all-time list; this followed a 2:57.30 heat performance that previously set the national record [Reuters: “Australia elated after breaking 42-year record”].[8]
-
On the same weekend, the 4x100m squad tied the national record in the heats with a strong 37.87 and progressed to the finals, with other rosters (such as the women’s 4x100m) facing heat issues but aiming for finals and potential 2027 qualification at the World Championships [Yahoo/Australia coverage: “Record-breaking day”].[3]
-
In addition to the above, a mixed 4x400m relay team also set an Australian record (3:12.20), highlighting breadth of strength across genders in relays during the meet [Guardian: “We’re hot”],.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official results pages or compile a concise timeline of every Australian relay record set at the event with exact times andPlacings. I can also summarize how these performances affect selection for Beijing 2027 and compare to past Australian relay records.
Citations:
- Guardian article on the opening-day Australian records.[1]
- Reuters report on the bronze in the men’s 4x400m and 42-year record break.[8]
- Australian relay reporting on 4x100m and mixed 4x400m records.[5][3]