On September 13, 2025, the United States reaffirmed its dominance in relay competition by winning gold in the 4×400-meter mixed relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The team delivered a remarkable performance, clocking a time of 3:08.80—matching the existing championship record and overcoming strong challenges from European rivals. The result adds yet another chapter to the U.S.’s storied history in relay racing and secures its third gold in this event since its debut at the 2019 World Championships.
The American quartet, composed of Bryce Deadmon, Lynna Irby-Jackson, Jenoah McKiver, and Alexis Holmes, executed the race with precision and composure. Deadmon, known for his steady starts in international competition, gave the team a solid foundation in the opening leg. Irby-Jackson, who has become a mainstay in the U.S. relay pool, kept the team in a strong position during the second leg. The real turning point came during the third leg, when Jenoah McKiver unleashed a lightning-fast split of 43.91 seconds, one of the fastest ever recorded in a mixed relay. That surge put the Americans firmly in the lead heading into the anchor leg.
Alexis Holmes, who has been steadily building a reputation as one of the nation’s most clutch performers, brought the baton home with determination and finesse, fending off late surges from the Netherlands and Belgium. Her performance not only sealed the win but confirmed her growing stature on the global stage. It was a collective effort that blended experience, speed, and strategic execution—a formula that has long defined U.S. relay success.
Read Also: https://mensnewspaper.com/inside-the-training-of-a-championship-javelin-thrower/
The victory was especially meaningful given the strength of the competition. The Netherlands, led by standout performers in both the men’s and women’s 400-meter categories, finished second in 3:09.96. Belgium, showing impressive depth and team chemistry, secured the bronze with a time of 3:10.61, marking their first-ever podium finish in this event at a World Championships. The closeness of the race added drama to an already electric atmosphere at Tokyo’s National Stadium, which played host to several marquee events during the championships.
Since its introduction six years ago, the 4×400m mixed relay has rapidly grown in prestige and popularity. The event’s unique format—two men and two women, with order left to each team’s discretion—has added an element of strategy and unpredictability. For the U.S., the win not only reinforces its adaptability but also its continued investment in both men’s and women’s sprint talent. This year’s victory matches the championship record previously set by the American team, further underlining their consistent excellence.
In interviews following the race, team members praised each other’s composure and teamwork. McKiver noted that his blazing split was the result of careful pacing and the energy from the crowd, while Holmes credited the team’s chemistry and mental preparation. Coaches emphasized that the win was the product of months of planning, targeted training, and a deep bench of talent that gave selectors multiple strong lineup options.
The U.S. team’s performance is also a testament to the broader strength of its sprinting program, which continues to produce world-class athletes capable of excelling in individual and team events alike. With the Paris 2026 Olympics looming on the horizon, this victory serves as a strong statement that Team USA remains the team to beat in global relay competition.
As the dust settles in Tokyo, the mixed 4×400m relay once again proved to be one of the most thrilling events of the championship. For the United States, it was not just about maintaining a winning tradition—it was about continuing to evolve and innovate in a rapidly changing athletic landscape. With a new generation of talent stepping up and performing on the world stage, the future of U.S. relay racing looks as bright as ever.