Deprived of Jonathan Borlée, Jacques Borlée, the 4X400m relay coach had rested Alexander Doom to align, in order, Julien Watrin, Dylan Borlée, Jonathan Sacoor and Kevin Borlée.
In a series where the Dominican Republic withdrew, Julien Watrin made a big start to pass the baton in second position, maintained by Dylan Borlée behind Botswana who dropped the baton during the third stint. Sacoor was in the lead and Kevin Borlée managed easily to, personally, qualify for his 27th final in a major championship.
The Czech Republic took 2nd place (3:02.42) and Poland 3rd (3:02.51). France passes on time (3: 03.13).
The first three in each of the two series and the two best times then qualify for the final on Sunday at 4:35 a.m. Belgian time (7:35 p.m. local time). The United States won the first set in 2:58.96 ahead of Japan (3:01.53) and Jamaica (3:01.59). Trinidad and Tobago passes on time (3:02.75).
The men’s 4X400m relay has achieved the feat of qualifying for all the finals of the major championships, Olympic Games, world and European championships since 2008. Belgium has collected 14 medals on the international scene, including a bronze medal at the previous Worlds in 2019 in Doha. The Belgian Tornados are indoor world champions this winter in Belgrade.
