Track and Field Coach Gives Honest Opinion Over Mixed Relays Following Massive Olympics Decision

With the IOC officially adding the mixed 4x100m relay to the athletics program, the world of track and field is about to step into uncharted territory. Just imagine the likes of Noah Lyles firing off the curve, baton in hand, before handing off to Sha’Carri Richardson on the anchor leg, men and women side by side, in a high-octane sprint to Olympic gold. But it’s not just a fantasy anymore! It’s the reality coming our way at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It’s bold. And it’s entertaining. But is it smart?

As the sport gears up for this historic shift, the question lingers. Is the mixed-gender 4x100m a game-changer or just a gimmick? On one hand, it opens doors for innovation and underdog glory. On the other hand, it’s a logistical nightmare in a discipline that lives and dies on timing and chemistry. Coaches are speaking up with unfiltered honesty, questioning whether the stars will commit. Sure, it’ll light up the highlight reels, but is this the kind of spotlight the sport needs?

Anderson Emerole highlighted on the YouTube channel The Final Leg Track & Field, “Is the mixed relay a good idea? 4×1… where we have the fastest people in the world. Is that a good idea?” Rob, who is a high school track and field coach, replied, “It’s a good—it’s entertaining. It’s a good idea.” The idea of the world’s best men and women teaming up in a high-stakes, high-speed dance is electrifying. But as the excitement builds, so does the skepticism.

Because as much as fans want to see a Lyles-Richardson duo lighting up LA, the real question becomes: who will show up? As Emerole aptly asked, “Are we going to see some of these top athletes running them?” That hesitation speaks volumes. Mixed relays are only as good as the buy-in they get from the sport’s biggest stars. And right now, that buy-in is far from guaranteed. After all, the 4x100m isn’t just any race.

It’s a symphony of precision, rhythm, and trust built through hours of baton exchanges and muscle memory. You can’t fake that. “The real issue is… will the athletes be able to practice enough at it to do it properly? If you just roll out there, Team USA style, good luck.” That warning hits hard because it’s rooted in reality. We’ve seen the chaos that ensues when teams wing it in the relays. Botched handoffs, poor chemistry, and missed opportunities.

Unlike the mixed 4x400m, where pacing and positioning can compensate for inconsistencies, the 4×1 is brutally unforgiving. And then there’s the elephant in the room. How seriously will countries take it? “Team USA… they’re going to use their throwaway athletes. The mixed 4×4 is the throwaway event… It’s where the people who didn’t run the 4×4 end up.” That sentiment, while blunt, reflects a common approach.

For powerhouse nations, mixed relays have been more of a consolation prize than a crown jewel. But that attitude could backfire. “There’ll be some small countries who say, ‘This is our moment; we’ll catch America slipping.’” And they might. If Team USA and other giants send B-teams, the underdogs won’t hesitate to pounce. This could lead to chaos, upsets, or even viral Olympic moments no one saw coming.

LA28 sparks debate over spotlight and fairness

The mixed 4x100m relay is officially set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games. And it’s already igniting fierce debates across the athletics world. On March 9th, 2025, Athletics Weekly dropped the bombshell via X, confirming, “Mixed 4x100m relay to be a part of LA 2028 Olympics.” It didn’t take long for the track and field community to react, and leading the charge was Sky Sports journalist Chris Brown.

His immediate take? Pure honesty. “I’m not sure we need to give sprinters ANOTHER chance to win an Olympic medal.” And honestly, he’s got a point. Track athletes already dominate the Olympic spotlight with multiple individual and relay events. So, is this new addition necessary? But Brown didn’t stop there. He turned the focus toward an often-overlooked corner of the field events.

“When are we having a mixed-field competition?” he questioned, raising a compelling argument that resonated with many fans. While the IOC’s intention with mixed relays is to promote gender equality, it may unintentionally tip the balance further in favor of sprints. Why not use that same energy to uplift field athletes, who rarely get the limelight they deserve?

A mixed event featuring both male and female athletes in jumps or throws could inject new life and attention into disciplines that often struggle for screen time. Brown wrapped up his commentary with a humble yet powerful plea, “A jumps one & a throws one, please 🙏🏻.” His words cut straight to the heart of a bigger issue: representation and recognition.

As LA28 shapes up to be one of the most innovative and inclusive Games yet, inclusion mustn’t become synonymous with “more of the same.” Expanding the program should mean uplifting all areas of track and field, not just adding another medal opportunity for events already basking in global fame. If the Olympics truly aim to evolve, perhaps the future isn’t just about who runs faster but about who finally gets their due.