The Chinese men's 4x400m relay team achieved a remarkable feat at the World Athletics Relays, setting a new national record of 3:01.87. This performance secured their direct qualification for the World Championships. The race took place at the Tianhe Sports Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The team, comprised of Liang Baotang, Li Yiqing, Zhang Qining, and Fu Haoran, showcased exceptional endurance and precision. Anchor runner Fu Haoran delivered a stunning comeback, overtaking Spain in the final stretch to secure second place in their heat.
The conditions were challenging, with persistent rain throughout the heats. Athletes had to contend with slick tracks and reduced visibility. The team, with an average age of 21, including 20-year-olds Fu and Zhang, highlights the growing influence of young athletes in Chinese athletics. Fu expressed his emotions after the race, acknowledging the efforts of his teammates. Their time places them among the world's top performers this season, signaling China's emergence as a strong contender in middle-distance relays. This achievement marks the first time China has qualified for the men's 4x400m at the World Championships.
While the men's 4x400m team celebrated success, the 4x100m teams faced difficulties. The men's squad, led by Asian men's 200m record holder Xie Zhenye, recorded a season-best time of 38.30 seconds. They finished third in their heat, missing automatic qualification. Despite smooth handoffs, the team's final runner was edged out by Italy, revealing a gap in raw speed compared to the Asian record.
In the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay, China advanced to the final with a time of 41.30 seconds but finished seventh in the final. The team demonstrated good coordination but struggled with the "women-men" baton sequence. Both the Chinese men's and women's 4x100m relay teams qualified for the Tokyo Worlds. The women's 4x100m relay experienced a setback when a dropped baton during a crucial exchange led to a fall, resulting in a last-place finish.
China is aiming to become a global leader in athletics. The country is set to host its first national athletics youth games in August. Furthermore, China hosted the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March, and Beijing is scheduled to host the World Athletics Championships in 2027.
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