Chris Brown in the 4x400m at the IAAF World Relays (© Getty Images)
If it all comes down to the last event, then this could be the most important race of the weekend.
In which case the Americas will be counting their blessings for their line-up includes not only Olympic and two-time world champion LaShawn Merritt but Olympic silver medallist Luguelín Santos of the Dominican Republic and esteemed relay specialist Chris Brown of The Bahamas. Throw into the mix US champion Gil Roberts and that begins to look like an unbeatable quartet.
But Europe and Africa have powerful teams too, and will be spurred on by the chase for all-important points.
Europe’s foursome is led by Briton Martyn Rooney who won two golds in Zurich, his second coming alongside Conrad Williams who is also in this line-up. So, too, is the European bronze medallist Donald Sanford, who has lowered the Israeli record four times this summer, and Poland’s Jakub Krzewina who was fourth in the European final.
Africa’s chances rest on Botswana’s Isaac Makwala and Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa who both rank in the world’s top five this year. Makwala, who broke the African record in July, will have two events in his legs so much could depend on how much he has left for the finale.
Asia-Pacific has named an all-Japanese squad, including former Asian champion Yuzo Kanemaru and three members of the country’s world junior silver medal-winning quartet.
Matt Brown for the IAAF
