Kenya's Women's 4x400m Relay Team Reinstated and Record Restored After Successful Appeal

Kenya's Women's 4x400m Relay Team Reinstated and Record Restored After Successful Appeal

Abigael Wafula 21:50 - 11.05.2025

Kenya's women's 4x400m relay team was reinstated after a successful appeal, following earlier disqualification.

After a successful appeal from Athletics Kenya officials, Kenya’s women’s 4x400m relay team can now breathe a sigh of relief as they have been reinstated.

Competing at the World Athletics Relays, the team of Esther Mbagari, Mercy Chebet, Lanoline Aoko and Mercy Oketch began their campaign on Saturday.

They could only afford a fourth-place finish in the third heat, not enough to secure a slot for them in the final, but they had a chance to redeem themselves in the repechage round and hopefully make it to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

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They clocked 3:31.67 in the heat, won by South Africa, who clocked a national record time of 3:28.01, as Germany came in second in 3:28.63. Ireland rounded up the podium in a stunning 3:30.06.

What led to the disqualification?

Women's 4x400m relay Kenya

On day two of the World Athletics Relays, competing in the second round of qualification, Team Kenya knew they had to give their all to qualify for the World Championships.

However, things did not go as planned as the team was disqualified for lane infringement, a heartbreaking turn of events for fans and all the competitors.

Great Britain claimed the win in 3:24.46 as Belgium came in second in a time of 3:24.52, also qualifying for the global showpiece in September. Poland also secured a slot to the World Championships following their third-place finish.

Team Kenya’s disqualification reinstated

Women's 4x400m relay team disqualified

However, the disqualification did not last long, as the Athletics Kenya officials filed a formal petition, and after careful consideration, the women’s 4x400m relay team was reinstated.

This means that they will reclaim their original fourth-place finish and their national record time of 3:28.20.

“Kenya appealed the 4x400m women's disqualification, and we are glad that the 4x400m women's team has been reinstated,” an Athletics Kenya official shared.

“The Jury of Appeal reviewed all evidence and decided the evidence was inconclusive. Therefore, Kenya should be reinstated, and the appeal is accepted.”

Team Kenya has been impressive at the World Athletics Relays, with the men’s 4x100m, 4x400m and the mixed 4x400m relay qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.