The mixed 4x100m will be making its major championships debut at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
In the very brief history of the event so far, Germany holds the European record with a 40.15 clocking from the heats of the 2026 World Relays in Gaborone, surpassing the European record target time of 40.20.
However, as teams get to grips with the discipline, it is far from inconceivable this mark will be revised in the Alexander Stadium and the 40 second-barrier could be broken for the first time.
European record - Germany (GER) 40.15
European lead - Germany (GER) 40.15
Championship record - new event
Roma 2024 medallists
Not contested
Five to watch
- Germany (GER)
- Great Britain & NI (GBR)
- Netherlands (NED)
- Spain (ESP)
- Italy (ITA)
At the time of writing, it is difficult to know who will be competing for each team but the fact the mixed 4x100m will be run as a straight final on the last day of the championships - and one day after the 4x100m finals - maximises the chances of teams being at close to full strength.
The German team which broke the European record in Gaborone - Yannick Wolf, Sophia Junk, Heiko Gussmann and Sina Kammerschmitt - have all been selected for Birmingham although that team could be strengthened further if the likes of Gina Lückenkemper and Owen Ansah express their desire to compete.
But hosts Great Britain will be the team which will possess the most leg speed if the likes of Amy Hunt, Dina Asher-Smith, Jeremiah Azu and Zharnel Hughes - all of whom feature on the final entries in the event - make themselves available for selection.
Asher-Smith has the chance of making history in Birmingham. The 30-year-old, who has also entered the 100m and 200m, has won eight medals at the European Athletics Championships so far and has Irena Szewinska's record haul of 10 medals in her sights.
The line-up also features Spain and the Netherlands who also made the final at the World Relays in Gaborone. Spain finished fifth although the Netherlands didn’t get the baton around having clocked 40.20 in the heats, the second fastest time by a European quartet in the nascent history of the event.
The eight-team line-up is completed by Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland.