The World Relay Championships: What You Need To Know

As the road to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo intensifies, Ireland’s relay squad is set to take centre stage at the World Athletics Championships in Guangzhou, China on May 10th and 11th.

A 14-strong squad of male and female athletes has been announced by Athletics Ireland, and the stakes are high as they will try to secure qualification for Tokyo by placing in the top fourteen.

Olympic quartet returns

Leading the charge will be the women’s 4x400m relay team, the same squad that thrilled fans with a historic fourth-place finish at last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. Rhasidat Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker and Phil Healy, all household Irish athletics names, will reunite once again in Guangzhou.

All four members of the women’s relay squad are also listed for the mixed 4x400m relay. With Ireland’s recent run of talent in both formats, the dual campaign adds a huge opportunity for success on the world stage.

The relay pool is further strengthened by Lauren Cadden, Rachel McCann and Kate O’Connell, adding crucial depth to the already promising squad.

Christian Malcolm, Athletics Ireland High Performance Sprints Lead said:

“Following a hugely successful 2024 for our relay teams, I’m pleased to see three teams selected for the World Athletics Relays which illustrates the terrific depth we currently have in Irish sprinting. We look forward to travelling to Guangzhou as we attempt to seal qualification for the World Athletics Championships in September in Tokyo.”

World Championship Qualification

The top 14 finishes in each relay event in Guangzhou will secure automatic spots for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Given the high level of global competition that Ireland are set to compete with, their margin for error is slim; but the squad’s growing profile within international athletics makes them major contenders. 

In recent years, Ireland’s relay stars such as Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley have become symbolic in the rise in popularity of athletics in the country. Relay teams are now threatening finals in every competition they grace, rewriting national records, and inspiring young girls and boys alike across the country.

With a strong blend of experience and emerging talent, Ireland are heading to the World Relay Championships well-prepared and focused. Despite stiff competition, this group has shown time and again that they belong on a global stage, and qualification for Tokyo is well within their reach.

More information regarding where to watch will be announced by Athletics Ireland closer to the start of the event. The timetable for the Championships can be found on the official website.