The radical change by World Athletics to bring fresh energy to the track in Guangzhou

Dubai: Tennis had its mixed doubles. Figure skating had its lifts. Now athletics has its own co-ed chaos — complete with batons flying and genders mixing on the track.

The 4x100m mixed relay sprinted into the spotlight at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, and it was anything but a slow start.

In a first-of-its-kind event for World Athletics, the race featured a set running order of woman — woman — man — man, bringing a new twist to the traditional sprint relay format. The goal? Inject fresh energy into the sport and make gender parity more than just a talking point.

Jamaica turned up the heat in the second of three heats. Relay veteran Natasha Morrison got them off to a flyer, followed by Krystal Sloley, before Javari Thomas and Rasheed Foster brought it home.

Great Britain’s Joe Ferguson surged in the final metres, but Foster held his nerve — and the lead — by a razor-thin 0.01 seconds to win in 41.04. Hosts China placed third in 41.30, enough to reach the final on time.

Canada, meanwhile, clocked the fastest time of the heats to win the third race. Eliezer Adjibi charged down the home stretch to overtake Belgium’s Rendel Vermeulen and Australia’s Josiah John. Adjibi’s late burst gave Canada the win, with Australia also sealing a place in the final. Belgium weren’t left out either, sneaking in as the fastest non-automatic qualifier.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was all smiles after the race. “History being made,” he said. “I think, despite the conditions, we proved this new format will be a very successful addition to the sport.”

He added that the event isn’t just about gender equality — which he insists the sport already embraces — but about keeping athletics fresh. “It’s exciting. It’s fast-paced. And it’s important that we keep unlocking new and younger audiences through these innovations.”

Coe has a point. The format may be new, but the chaos, competitiveness and nail-biting finishes are classic athletics.

And if baton handovers between men and women weren’t already challenging enough, there’s always the possibility of a rematch in the final — relationship drama, but at 40 kilometres an hour.