- Kenya’s 4x400m mixed relay team was disqualified for a lane infringement as the World Athletics Championships 2025 kicked off on Saturday morning.
- The event is being staged at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
- The quartet was led by 800m world champion Mary Moraa, alongside Mercy Oketch, Brian Tinega, and Allan Kipyegon.
It was a disappointing Saturday morning as Kenya’s 4x400m mixed relay team was disqualified for lane infringement as the 2025 World Athletics Championships kicked off at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
The quartet was being led by 800m world champion Mary Moraa, alongside Mercy Oketch, Brian Tinega, and Allan Kipyegon.
They finished second in heat 2 of the race, clocking 3:10.73 – an African record, trailing the Belgian team, which posted 3:10.37.
Kenya’s time surpassed the previous mark of 3:11.16 set by South Africa in heat 1.
Why Kenya’s 4x400m mixed relay team was disqualified in Tokyo
Just as they began to celebrate, their excitement was cut short when the final results indicated that Kenya had been disqualified due to a lane infringement.
This meant they had violated World Athletics rule TR17.23, which mandates direct disqualification for infractions such as stepping completely over the line or multiple infringements during a race run in lanes.
(Use for a direct DQ for lane infringement e.g. stepping over the line completely or multiple infringements on the line in the same race run in lanes)
The athletes were unavailable for comment immediately after the race, but Team Kenya coach Julius Kirwa told Flashscore that the 4x400m relay team had enjoyed a strong start and were on course to qualify for the final.
However, a moment of apprehension from one athlete, who stepped on the line, ended their campaign.
“The 4x400m relay team put up a lot of effort; they had a good race and ran according to instructions. But unfortunately, they were disqualified due to a mistake that occurred,” said Kirwa.
“It was regrettable that one athlete stepped on the line against the rules. These things happen it’s not the first time we’ve seen it. Often, it occurs because of nerves, but we can’t blame the athlete for that. We have to accept it and move forward.”
“My plea to Kenyans is that we have just begun the competition. Continue supporting us and keeping us in your prayers. We have a strong team, and I am confident we will put on a good show here in Tokyo.”