From Paradise to Paris | World Athletics Relay Championships Preview
Published Thu 02 May 2024
A unique opportunity for Australia’s relay squads to secure their Olympic berth lies ahead this weekend, as the country’s fastest athletes swap their rivalry for camaraderie at the World Athletics Relay Championships in the Bahamas.
With a renewed commitment from athletes to Athletics Australia’s relay program and a rise in fresh sprinting talent, it comes as no surprise that Australia is in its best position since Sydney 2000 to qualify four teams for the Olympic Games.
The quest for the Men’s and Women’s 4x100m and 4x400m squads is simple. While global medals are on offer, the competition allows the Top 14 teams to automatically qualify for Paris, with four heats leading the way to the final.
The top-two teams from each heat advance directly, guaranteeing their Olympic quota spot on Day One of competition, while a further six teams in each discipline can secure their berth through repechage heats on Day Two, where the first two in each of the three heats per event also secure their tickets to Paris.
Women’s 4x100m Relay:
Leading the quest for Paris will be Australia’s highest ranked team in the Women’s 4x100m relay squad, with Australian relay record holders Torrie Lewis (QLD, Andrew Iselin), Ebony Lane (VIC, Matt Carter) and Commonwealth medallists Ella Connolly (NSW, Andrew Murphy) and Bree Masters (QLD, Ryan Hoffman) at the helm.
Ranked at world number 11 after shattering the Australian record in 42.94 at the Chemist Warehouse Sydney Track Classic in March, the goal for the team is not just to perform well over one hit-out, but use it as a stepping stone towards making the Olympic final – and a straight finals berth after Day One would demonstrate their readiness for world-class competition.
Under the meticulous guidance of coach Cathy Walsh, the squad has focused on honing consistency in changeovers and expectations are high. World Championships representative Kristie Edwards (QLD, David Reid) and Australia’s fastest school girl Olivia Dodds (WA, Lyn Foreman) add to the squad’s depth.
Men’s 4x100m Relay:
Poised for a true breakthrough in the Bahamas is the Men’s 4x100m relay team, spearheaded by seasoned sprinters Joshua Azzopardi (NSW, Rob Marks) and Jacob Despard (TAS, Rolf Ohman), and supported by national champions Calab Law (QLD, Andrew Iselin) and Sebastian Sultana (NSW, Greg Smith).
With all athletes, including 20-year-old Jackson Rowe (NSW, Greg Smith) and Christopher Ius (NSW, Andrew Murphy) showing career-best form over the summer, the team is expected to deliver at Thomas Robinson Stadium in their bid to shift the stick to Paris.
Still green as a team in comparison to other well-oiled squads around the globe, athletics fans can expect a genuine showing from the emerging outfit which could very well propel them to Olympic qualification.
Ranked 14th and with the top 14 teams to advance, the equation is simple.
Men’s 4x400m Relay:
The experienced Alex Beck (QLD, Mark Ladbrook) has been a pivotal figure in the Men’s 4x400m squad with his strong performances passing the baton this year, coupled with his tenacity to wear the green and gold once more.
Alongside the Tokyo Olympian, national champion Cooper Sherman (VIC, Neville Down) and Luke van Ratingen (NSW, Ben Liddy) as well as consistent performances Harrison Hunt (SA, Dylan Hicks) and Thomas Reynolds (VIC, Matt Oakley) are set to face the international competition with vigour in their attempts to punch their tickets to Paris.
While the team qualified for the Bahamas by a whisker, sneaking in to grab the 32nd and final spot, the squad will be out to continue defying the odds and building towards the pinnacle event.
Women’s 4x400m Relay:
The Women’s 4x400m relay brings a blend of experience and new talent. While youthful in age, Olympic 4x400m runners Bendere Oboya (VIC, Craig Mottram) and Ellie Beer (QLD, Brett Robinson) present as the veterans of the team and are expected to provide stability and guidance when the team hit the track on Saturday.
While new to the squad by comparison, Mikaela Selaidinakos (VIC, Steve Gaffney) and Alanah Yukich (WA, Rose Monday) have impressive relay capabilities, with stunning splits seen at their pre-event staging camp in Miami. 19-year-old Jemma Pollard (NSW, Tim Escheback) adds fresh energy to the team, as she uses the competition as preparation ahead of the World Athletics Under 20 Championships.
Although the lineup lacks the sub-50 second individual credentials of many international rivals, the team will rely on its unity and energy to serve it up to the world’s premier countries in the event.
How To Watch
The World Athletics Relay Championships can be viewed live and free via World Athletics’ Inside Track Platform, which can be accessed HERE.
Day 1 – 5 May from 9.50am AEST
9.50am – W 4x100m Relay Heats
10.25am – M 4x100m Relay Heats
11.05am – W 4x400m Relay Heats
11.49am – M 4x400m Relay Heats
Day 2 – 6 May from 9.05am AEST
9.05am – M 4x100m Relay – Repechage
9.40am – W 4x100m Relay – Repechage
10.05am – M 4x400m Relay – Repechage
10.30am – W 4x400m Relay – Repechage
11.50am – W 4x100m Relay Final
12pm – M 4x100m Relay Final
12.10pm – W 4x400m Relay Final
12.20pm – M 4x400m Relay Final
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 2/5/2024
