JAMAICA’S veteran track and field coach Maurice Wilson has welcomed the announcement to add the mixed 4x400m event to the World Athletics Indoor Championships schedule, starting at the 2026 edition in Torun, Poland.

The mixed relay race, which features men and women running alternating legs, was contested at the World Athletics Championships for the first time in Eugene, Oregon, in 2023. It was also staged at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.

“Following the decision of the World Athletics Council in August 2023 to introduce the 4x400m mixed relay at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, starting in 2026, further steps have been taken to ensure the event’s recognition and the processing of results,” World Athletics posted on its website last Wednesday.

Wilson, also the principal of G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, said he backs the move.

“Anything that is going to enhance the visibility of the sport, anything that is going to create spectator support and participation, I endorse. So, I think it’s a great move by World Athletics to introduce the mixed relays at some point or the other,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He pointed to the limited opportunities to run relays in Jamaica, “with the exception of the Gibson Relays and the Western Relays”.

Wilson, who had led a number of national track and field teams as technical leader, added: “[This lack of opportunity] has affected our performances in the last couple of years so any form of activity, relay wise, will be of help to our teams.”

Wilson argued that Jamaican athletes should compete more at indoor events “for the overall visibility out of sport”.

He noted: “[The mixed relays provide a] platform for athletes — especially different tiers of athletes — to participate in major meets and the indoor [events] so I think it’s a great move by World Athletics, and I think it will help our Jamaican athletes.”

According to World Athletics, the “initial world record for the indoor 4x400m mixed relay shall be established at 3:12.44 or better. World records in the discipline will be recognised as of 1 March 2025”.

The release added: “[The] designated running order for 4×400 mixed relays is man – woman – man – woman (M/W/M/W) and amendments to the Competition and Technical Rules have been approved to incorporate the 4x400m mixed relays.

“These decisions are to ensure the event’s official recognition and its integration into future championships.”

Junelle Bromfield of Jamaica runs in the 4x400m mixed relay heat during the Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on August 2, 2024. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)