Belgium claim mixed relay gold at World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń
Belgium secured gold in the mixed 4x400 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, on Saturday. Jonathan Sacoor, Ilana Hanssens, Julien Watrin and Helena Ponette dominated the race, finishing in 3:15.60. The victory marks Belgium’s first medal at this year’s championships.
Despite the absence of star runner Alexander Doom, who was rested ahead of the men’s 4x400 metres on Sunday, the Belgian team encountered no difficulties. Opening runner Sacoor quickly built a commanding lead, while the United States and the Netherlands were both taken out of contention after a fall during the first changeover.
Hanssens, Watrin and Ponette maintained Belgium’s advantage throughout, crossing the line unchallenged. Spain claimed silver in 3:16.96, ahead of Poland in 3:17.44. Jamaica, initially third in 3:17.13, was disqualified after the race.
The title is Belgium’s seventh indoor world gold. Previous champions include Tia Hellebaut in the pentathlon in 2008, the Belgian Tornados in the 4x400 metres in 2022 and 2024, Noor Vidts in the pentathlon in 2022 and 2024, and Alexander Doom in the 400 metres in 2024.
The mixed 4x400 metres is a new addition to the World Athletics Indoor Championships. The event also featured at last year’s European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, where Belgium took silver, and at the World Outdoor Championships in Tokyo, where it secured bronze.
© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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