Kenya’s 4×400 mixed relay team reveal motivation behind new African record
By Luke Oluoch, May 3, 2026Kenyan 4×400 mixed relay stars have spoken about what spurred them to a record-breaking performance at the ongoing World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.
Mercy Oketch and George Mutinda were part of the history-making mixed relay team that set a new African record of 3:09.87 during their heat on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The quartet of Mutinda, Oketch, Kelvin Tonui, and Mercy Chebet finished second in their heat behind Great Britain, who clocked a world-leading time of 3:09.69.
Targets
Speaking on the achievement, Oketch hailed the team’s accomplishment, asserting that they sought to stake their claim among Africa’s best on the global stage.
“We came here with a winning spirit, having been the fastest team in the country. We got down to business and got it done in the heats. We are now eager to get to the medals,” she said.
Oketch further joked about the team’s motivation to reach the podium, referencing President Duma Boko’s recent claims regarding Botswana’s diamond wealth.
“There has been news of the existence of pure diamonds from this nation, and perhaps we can get to taste the occasion and confirm if indeed they are true,” she added.
On his part, Mutinda, who gave the team an explosive start in the opening leg, attributed his performance to staying composed.
“I was focused on running my race amid the tough competition we were facing. I managed to calm down under the pressure of the occasion and did it,” he stated.
Looking ahead
With this performance, the mixed relay team advances to the 4x400m final and officially secures a berth for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
The team returns to the track at 7:13 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2026, seeking to translate their record-breaking form into a medal and secure a preferential lane seeding for the World Championships.