World Athletics Relays 2026: Star-Studded Entry Lists Unveiled for Botswana Showdown

The official entry lists for the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 have been released, revealing a star-studded lineup for the eighth edition of the event, scheduled for May 2-3 in Botswana's capital.

A total of 723 athletes from 40 nations will compete, vying not only for relay titles but also for crucial qualification spots at the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 and this year's inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship.

The fields are packed with talent, featuring all six reigning champion teams from the 2025 World Relays. Additionally, four of the five gold-medal-winning nations from the 2025 World Championships and three victorious teams from the 2024 Olympic Games will be in action.

Host nation Botswana is poised to make a major impact in front of a home crowd. Their men's relay squads are spearheaded by the country's two global champions: Olympic 200m gold medallist Letsile Tebogo in the 4x100m, and world 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi in the 4x400m. Kebinatshipi will be joined by fellow world 4x400m champions Bayapo Ndori and Leungo Scotch.

The United States, a traditional relay powerhouse, has assembled a formidable team. The squad includes Ronnie Baker and Courtney Lindsey, who were part of the victorious men's 4x100m team at last year's World Championships.

Jamaica, another sprinting superpower, also boasts a powerful lineup. World 100m champion Oblique Seville is slated for the men's 4x100m, while decorated Olympians Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson are entered in the women's event.

The mixed 4x100m team features world and Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson and 2023 world champion Antonio Watson, who will compete in the men's 4x400m.

Canada will field the same quartet that secured Olympic gold in 2024 and world silver in 2025 in the men's 4x100m: Andre De Grasse, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, and Aaron Brown.

South Africa aims to replicate its success from the previous World Relays. All four members of their triumphant men's 4x400m team return, as does Akani Simbine, who anchored their victorious 4x100m squad.

Spain, a standout nation in 2025, has also sent a strong contingent to Gaborone. Three members of their winning women's 4x400m team and three from their silver-medal-winning 4x100m squad will compete.

Other notable athletes include world indoor 60m champion Zaynab Dosso on Italy's women's 4x100m team, and Lieke Klaver, a key member of the Dutch women's 4x400m squad.

Belgium's mixed 4x400m team features 2024 world indoor 400m champion Alexander Doom, while Poland's 4x400m teams will be bolstered by veterans Natalia Bukowiecka and Justyna Swiety-Ersetic.