In a chaotic final, Belgium stayed clear of trouble to become the inaugural winners of the world indoor mixed 4x400m relay title in Kujawy Pomorze on Saturday (21), with Spain edging out Jamaica at the finish for silver.
The Jamaican quartet were later disqualified for an infringement at the first handover, meaning the hosts, Poland, were upgraded to bronze.
The experience of Jonathan Sacoor, winner of ten major international 4x400m medals, proved crucial in the opening leg. He took Belgium into an early lead and made a smooth handoff to second-leg runner Ilana Hanssens.
Meanwhile, there was carnage just a few steps behind as the USA and Jamaica tangled. The Netherlands were also caught up in the melee, with Myrte van der Schoot taking a tumble, effectively removing both the Dutch and the USA from contention.
From that point on, Belgium held a comfortable advantage, while Jamaica, Spain, and Poland tussled for the remaining podium places.
Nearly a European record
Julien Watrin and Hélène Ponette held their nerve to steer Belgium to gold in 3:16.60, just 0.10 off the target time for a European record in the fledgling event.
In the final leg, Spain’s 400m finalist Blanca Hervás tracked Jamaica’s Leah Anderson, with Poland’s 2018 European champion Justyna Święty-Ersetic a stride adrift.
Hervás overhauled Anderson in the finishing straight to secure silver, while Święty-Ersetic was just unable to get on terms despite posting the fastest final leg of 50.94. Following Jamaica’s later disqualification, the 33-year-old could celebrate her 14th relay medal at a major championship.