The Los Angeles Olympics 2028 will be an even bigger spectacle than Paris. Well, at least that’s what the IOC is aiming to do. As a result, the LA28 Olympics will witness some new additions as far as events are concerned. And one among them is the mixed relays. Now, the concept of male and female athletes running in a single race is fascinating on paper. However, while analyzing the practical prospect of the same, a track and field coach made some interesting remarks on the same. So what did they have to say?

In a recent episode of Final Leg Track & Field, the host and a track coach discussed who we can see on the lineup. With the event being 4x100m, fans have expectedly assumed the top names to be a part of the event. Unfortunately, they will have to be disappointed. According to the track coach, the big names will probably be missing from the event. “We’re not going to see like Fred Kerley, We’re probably not going to see Noah Lyles; We’re not going to see like definitely not going to see Sha’Carri Richardson,” said the track coach.

He also mentions that names like Gabby Thomas, too, might be skipping the event at the World Relays. This is because the renowned names from the Olympic lineup might want to look at how things are going with the event. The coach also stated that all the big names talk to each other. So if one of them does not take part, the others too are expected to follow suit.

This was because most of the top-level athletes would want to compete in an environment where the competition is at the same level. But there were names that the coaches felt might get the opportunity to express themselves. And two such names they might feature are Courtney Lindsey and Kenadall Williams. Both are among the bigger names in the world of track and field. But while they might not see the share of fanfare as Noah Lyles, this new format is an opportunity for them.

“You need to be somebody who thinks it’s an opportunity; that’s when the Kendall Williams and all of them get their shot, their first shot, like Courtney Lindsay—like their first shot is normally these types of opportunities,” said the track and field coach. Surely, with the onset of the mixed relays, it remains to be seen how the event flourishes in the long run. Meanwhile, World Athletics has also officially inducted the 4x400m mixed relays.

Indoor 4x400m mixed relay becomes an official World Athletics discipline

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A fresh chapter has opened for the indoor track. The 4x400m mixed relay has officially entered the World Athletics rule book. With its inclusion now confirmed as an official discipline, the event will debut at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2026, signaling a new era of gender-balanced competition on the track. To cement the event’s legitimacy, the World Athletics Council has confirmed key technical standards.

Most notably, the initial world record benchmark has been set at 3:12.44 or better, with records eligible for recognition starting 1 March 2025. The running order has also been standardized, with teams required to follow a man–woman–man–woman (M/W/M/W) sequence. This is a move designed to streamline strategy and ensure fairness across the board.

In a bid to integrate the event seamlessly, World Athletics has amended the necessary regulations, including updates to the World Athletics Series Regulations and the Competition and Technical Rules. “Amendments to the Competition and Technical Rules have been approved to incorporate the 4x400m mixed relays,” read the official statement from the governing body. These steps mark the final strides in formalizing the event’s status, setting the stage for its statistical recognition and a spot on future global indoor stages.