USA retaining their world title with a dominant performance in the mixed 4x400m relay in Tokyo:

USA Retains World Title with Dominant Mixed 4x400m Display in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – September 13, 2025

The United States reaffirmed its dominance in the mixed 4x400m relay, storming to victory in Tokyo with a commanding performance that left little doubt about their supremacy in the event.

With an all-star lineup and a perfectly executed strategy, Team USA retained their world title, clocking a season-best time of 3:08.19, well ahead of their closest rivals.

The mixed 4x400m relay, which combines two male and two female runners per team, has rapidly become one of the most exciting events in global athletics.

First introduced at the World Championships in 2019 and later featured in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the event continues to captivate fans with its blend of strategy, speed, and unpredictability.

This year in Tokyo, the Americans proved once again that they are the gold standard.

Perfect Execution from Start to Finish

The U.S. team, composed of Justin Robinson, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Vernon Norwood, and Alexis Holmes, showcased textbook baton exchanges and tactical brilliance.

Starting strong with Robinson, who ran a blistering opening leg, the U.S. immediately surged to the front, giving the rest of the field a target they struggled to match.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the Olympic and world champion hurdler turned 400m specialist, maintained the momentum on the second leg.

Her smooth and powerful running kept the USA in control as she handed off to Norwood, a seasoned relay runner with years of championship experience.

Norwood extended the lead even further, giving anchor leg runner Alexis Holmes a comfortable margin.

Holmes, known for her composure and late-race strength, kept her cool despite a strong push from the Netherlands and Jamaica, who were fighting for silver.

With the Tokyo crowd roaring, she powered through the final straight to secure the win in emphatic fashion.

Final Results – Mixed 4x400m Relay

Rivals Falter Under Pressure

While the U.S. team thrived, their main challengers faced a variety of challenges.

The Netherlands, who had impressed in the heats with a national record, couldn’t match the Americans’ relentless pace but still secured silver, thanks to a strong anchor leg from Femke Bol.

Bol, a fan favorite, closed the gap significantly on the final 200m, but the lead was simply too large.

Jamaica, despite a talented team featuring Candice McLeod and Christopher Taylor, had a shaky exchange between legs two and three that cost them precious seconds.

Still, their speed and grit were enough to hold off Poland and Great Britain in the race for bronze.

American Depth and Strategy

What makes the American team so formidable in this event is not just their speed, but their depth and adaptability.

Coaches had a wealth of talent to choose from, with at least half a dozen runners capable of filling any leg.

The decision to place McLaughlin-Levrone on the second leg was strategic — her strength in the backstretch helped break open the field early.

Speaking after the race, team coach Mike Holloway praised the squad’s discipline:

“We came in with a plan, and the athletes executed it to perfection.

Every handoff was clean, every leg was strong. This is what happens when great athletes trust the process and each other.”

McLaughlin-Levrone, who continues to shine after transitioning from hurdles to flat 400m, echoed the sentiment:

“This team is special. We all have our individual goals, but when we come together, we run for each other and for our country. That’s what makes this so meaningful.”

Relay Becoming a Fan Favorite

The mixed 4x400m relay has quickly grown in popularity due to its inclusive format and tactical twists.

Teams must decide the order of their male and female runners — whether to alternate or front-load — making each race a chess match on the track.

In Tokyo, most top teams opted for a male-female-male-female strategy, with the final leg typically given to a strong female finisher.

This approach added suspense, as fans watched gaps widen and close depending on each athlete’s strengths.

IAAF officials have hinted that the mixed relay may become a staple event at all major championships moving forward — a testament to its growing status.

Looking Ahead

With another world title under their belt, the U.S. continues to set the standard.

Their blend of youth and experience bodes well for future competitions, including the upcoming 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Meanwhile, rivals will be studying every move of this Tokyo triumph, hoping to crack the American formula in future contests.

For now, though, it’s gold — again — for the stars and stripes.