Mixed 4 × 400 metres relay

Part of the rationale for the event was that should teams put their men and women in different orders, there will be excitement in seeing large leads being reversed when men and women are running against each other. All the teams in the finals at the 2017 IAAF World Relays ran man-woman-woman-man. In March 2022, the rule was changed so that every team must use the order man-woman-man-woman. Michael Johnson commentating at the 2019 World Athletics Championships expressed a concern that, while entertaining, the mixed 4 × 400 metres event contributes to an overly busy schedule. ==Records==

Global records Progression Main Article: Mixed 4 × 400 metres relay world record progression The first world record recognised by the IAAF was set by the US team at 3:12.42 in the first heat at the 2019 World Athletics Championships on 28 September 2019, beating a prior world best by the US set in 2016. The US team then set a new record of 3:09.34 in the final the next day. During the 2023 World Athletics Championships, team USA bested the previous record with a time of 3:08:80. Team USA further improved the record in the first heat at the 2024 Olympics with a time of 3:07:41. Continental records • Updated May 2026. == All-Time Top 10 by Country ==

• Correct as of May 2026. Short track • Updated May 2026 == All-Time Top 25 ==

• Correct as of May 2026. Short track • Updated May 2026 ==Olympic medalists==

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