Spain handed the United States a shock defeat in the women’s 4x400m while South Africa upgraded their silver from last year’s edition to claim gold at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, on Sunday (11 May).
The Spanish team, made up of Paula Sevilla, Eva Santidrián, Daniela Fra, and Blanca Hervas ran out of their skins to beat defending Olympic and world champions United States to the line.
Fra had a scorching run on the third leg, handing the baton to Hervas, who then carried it across the line in a national record of three minutes, 24.13 seconds (3:24.13).
Defending champions the United States, led for much of the race but had to be content with second place in a time of 3:24.72. South Africa followed shortly behind the US in a national record time of 3:24.84.
The men’s 4x400m relay produced some fireworks with the lead changing hands between South Africa and defending champions Botswana.
The 17-year-old Leendert Koekemoer of South Africa gave his team the edge as he moved into the lead before handing the baton to Zakhithi Nene.
Nene was in imperious form over the final leg, crossing the finish in a world lead of 2:57.50 with Belgium finishing second in 2:58.19. Botswana came third in 2:58.27.
Earlier, the US quartet of Chris Robinson, Courtney Okolo, Johnnie Blockburger, and Lynna Irby-Jackson produced a dominant display in the mixed 4x400m to claim their third gold in the event.
Australia led through the first leg, but the US edged ahead courtesy of a storming run by Blockburger, with Irby-Jackson taking them home in comfort in a championship record of 3:09.54.
Australia followed two seconds behind them in an Oceania record of 3:12.20, with Kenya completing the podium in 3:13.10.