This year’s Relays were not just a thrilling athletic showcase—they were pivotal in determining who would compete in Tokyo. The top 14 teams in each Olympic relay discipline (men’s/women’s 4x100m and 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m) earned automatic qualification, with two additional teams per event to be selected based on world rankings by August 24.
The introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay, though not on Tokyo’s program, energized the format. It represents a broader shift toward gender-inclusive events expected to become fixtures at future competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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