Paris 2024: Kenya mixed 4x400m relay team fail to advance to final as USA set new world record

©Team Kenya & World Athletics

Paris 2024: Kenya mixed 4x400m relay team fail to advance to final as USA set new world record

Festus Chuma 21:45 - 02.08.2024

Kenya's mixed 4x400m relay team failed to advance in Paris, while the USA team set a new world record.

Kenya's mixed 4x400m relay team faced another significant setback in Paris failing to make it to the final round after a disappointing seventh-place finish in their qualifying heat.

Despite their best efforts, the team, consisting of David Sanayek, Boniface Mweresa, Mercy Chebet, and Veronica Mutua, clocked a time of 3:13.13, which was not enough to secure a spot in the final stages of the competition.

The race was marred by challenges even before it began as team member Kevin Kipkorir was disqualified days prior to the event.

Athletics Kenya issued a statement explaining that Kipkorir had failed to comply with the mandatory testing protocols set by the Athletics Integrity Unit for athletes from Category A countries which include those with a high risk of doping.

While the Kenyan team grappled with their internal issues the United States team soared to new heights setting a new world record in the same heat.

The American quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown delivered an astounding performance, finishing the race in 3 minutes 07.41 seconds.

This impressive time shattered the previous world record of 3:08.80, which was set by the US team last year in Budapest.

The new record by the United States adds another chapter to their illustrious history in track and field, particularly in the mixed 4x400m relay, a relatively new addition to major athletics competitions.

USA's dominance in the opening heat was part of a historic day in which four national records were broken in addition to the new world mark.

France and Belgium also put on strong performances securing their places in the final from heat one.

The French team finished second with a time of 3:10.60, while Belgium took third place.

Notable performances from the French team included Muhammad Abdallah Kounta, who finished his lap in 43.50 seconds, and Louise Maraval, who clocked in at 51.50 seconds.

Téo Andant and Amandine Brossier completed their laps in 45.20 and 50.40 seconds, respectively.

In heat two Great Britain, Netherlands and Italy also made it to the finals.

Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates