WORLD ATHLETICS RELAYS: DESPITE JAMAICA’S ABSENCE EVENT TO START WEEKEND IN POLAND

The World Athletics Relays takes place this weekend in Chorzow, Poland with Nigeria participating despite withdrawals of some countries, notably the United States, Canada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

With athletics gradually returning to normal following the global pandemic which did hit the world and disrupted most sporting calendar. Countries athlete teams will be battling at the event to earn automatic qualifying spots at the Tokyo Olympics and next year’s World Athletics Championships in Oregon

Nigeria team to the (May,1-2) event will be led by Delta State born Blessing Okagbare who recently won the Continental Tour Gold in Eugene last weekend. She will be joined in the Nigerian team by youngest registered athlete to the World Athletics Relays, 17 year -old Imaobong Nse Uko.

The Great Britain men’s team include Nigeria- British Efe Okoro, other Britain team mates are James William, Lee Thompson, Rabah Yousif , Kelvin Metzger (who replaces Martyn Rooney), Joe Brier, Dwayne Cowan and Charlie Dobson.

The women’s team includes Emily Diamond, Yasmin Liverpool, Jessie Knight, Ama Pipi, Jessica Turner, Zoey Clak and Lavial Nielsen, all in 4x 400m Relay.

With Colombia, Belgium and Poland tough opposition in 4 x 400m. In the 4x 100m women, the Dutch team is considered strong to face other teams, especially those from Europe such as Swiss squad led by European Indoor 60m Champion Ajla Ponte. The Dutch will be represented by Daphine Schippers, Jamie Samuel and hurdles star Nadine Visser.

Other countries that will be represented in 4x 100m include South Africa with Akani Simbine who has been in top form this year, Italy with Filipo Tortu,plus European 60m Indoor winner Marcell Jacobs.

The World Athletics Relays was first held in Bahamas 2014. Bahamas, also hosted the event in 2015 and 2017 while Japan staged in 2019. This is the first time it is being held in Europe with Poland staging the event.