Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The absence of the USA team in the women’s 4x400m at the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 has opened the competition for podium places, prize money, and qualification for the World Championships Beijing 27. Twelve teams will automatically secure entries to the Championships, with eight teams advancing directly to the final by placing in the top two of four heats on the first day. Additional heats on the second day will allow four more teams to qualify and determine final seeding and prize awards.
Among the contenders, Jamaica is positioned strongly, naming a squad with three notable 400m hurdles athletes: two-time world bronze medallist Rushell Clayton, Olympic finalist Shiann Salmon, and 2023 world finalist Andrenette Knight.
The Netherlands bring a strong recent relay record, having earned multiple medals at major championships, including world bronze in 2023 and Olympic silver in 2024. Although Femke Bol is not competing in Gaborone, the team features experienced relay runner Lieke Klaver, who has won nine global relay medals.
Spain, after a national record and victory over the USA at last year’s World Relays, aims to improve on their recent bronze at the World Indoor Championships. Poland, winners of the 2019 World Relays and runners-up in 2024, also presents a competitive team with athletes like Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Olympic bronze medallist Natalia Bukowiecka.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland look to build on their 2024 Olympic bronze, with experienced athletes Lina Nielsen and Nicole Yeargin. Belgium, who finished fourth at last year’s World Championships, are also contenders despite returning only one member from last year’s team.