The first ever European record in the mixed 4x100m relay was established on the first day of the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana on Saturday (2).
Germany finished second behind Canada who set a short-lived world record of 40.07 in the first heat of the 4x100m in 40.15, surpassing the European record target time which had been set at 40.20.
A team composed of Yannick Wolf, Sophia Junk and Heiko Gussmann handed over the baton to newcomer Sina Kammerschmitt who held off strong opposition from the Netherlands and Nigeria for the second qualifying spot, guaranteed them not just a place in the final but a ticket for the World Athletics Championships in Beijing in September 2027.
"It feels incredibly cool. We had a team on the track today that has worked hard and with great focus over the past few weeks. We definitely wanted to secure this World Championship ticket. The fact that it's a European and national record is the icing on the cake," said Junk.
Junk, who has won medals for Germany in the 4x100m at the World Athletics Championships and Olympic Games, added: "Tomorrow, we can expect to be in the running for medals. And we also want to get our ticket for the World Ultimate Championships."
The top six teams in the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m finals will qualify for the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest from 11-13 September.
But before that, the mixed 4x100m relay will make its major championships debut at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10-16 August.