Spain Launches its Attack on Gaborone! The World Athletics Relays, Key to Budapest and Beijing

The national team seeks glory in Botswana, where direct tickets to the next major world championships are at stake.

The eighth edition of the World Athletics Relays is here, and this year the setting is as exotic as it is transcendental: Gaborone, Botswana. From May 2 to 3, the African continent will host this event for the first time, a melting pot of talent where Spain will put all its effort into action. The importance of this competition goes beyond prestige; It is a direct gateway to two unmissable events: the Ultimate Championships 2026 in Budapest and, above all, the Beijing 2027 World Cup.

At stake there is no less than 6 direct seats for the Budapest championship in the 4×100 m and 4×400 m mixed events. But the big loot, the one that excites the athletic parish, are the 12 direct seats that will be distributed for the Beijing 2027 World Cup. Tickets that every athlete dreams of getting, and that in Gaborone will be within reach for the best.

The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) has preselected a total of 26 athletesa balanced group of 14 men and 12 women, who have proven their worth and meet the demanding criteria of the international federation and the RFEA itself. The excitement is palpable in each of them, knowing that they are facing a historic opportunity to leave their mark on Spanish athletics.

The women's 4×100 meter team arrives with a trident of guarantees. Jaël-Sakura Bestué, Esperança Cladera and Maria Isabel Perezcreators of Spain's records broken in 2025 and the historic 5th position in the Tokyo World Cup, lead the charge. Pérez (11.07 MP) and Bestué (11.10) are the second and third Spaniards of all time in the 100m, while Cladera (22.79 in 200m) also contributes her quality. They accompany them Aitana Rodrigo (11.30), current champion of Spain, Lucia Carrillo (11.35) and Esther Navero (11.38), all of them with marks that promise a fast and competitive relay.

On the other hand, the “Golden Bubbles” of the women's 4×400 meters arrive in full euphoria after their brand new bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Toruń. A milestone that confirms the exceptional progression of this group. Paula Sevilla (50.69 MP), the revelation of the distance in just two seasons, and Blanca Hervas (51.15), sixth in the world in the 400m individual, are the leaders of a team that aspires to continue making history.

In the men's category, the 4×100 meters presents a generation of sprinters in clear ascendancy. Guillem CrespíSpanish 100 meters champion and European finalist, leads a group with four historical top-20 in the distance: Jorge Hernandez (10.27MP), Jaime Sancho (10.29), the European U20 champion Ander Garaiar (10.28) and Andoni Calbano (10.29). They complete the team Juan Carlos Castillo (10.34 MP) and Alberto Calero (10.31 MP), who returns to the national team after four years of absence.

The men's long relay, nicknamed “The Spanish Beatles”, combines the experience of two heavyweights such as Oscar Husillos (44.73 and 2nd all time) and Samuel Garcia (45.00 and 4º as always). Both, members of the current Spanish record (3:00.54 in 2022), bring experience and grit to a team with ambition.

The mixed 4×100 meters, an event that debuts in major championships, has the double objective of qualifying for Budapest and Beijing, and of beating the national record established at 41.00. The best mark to date, 41.74, belongs to a quartet with Alberto Calero, Esther NaveroDaniel Rodríguez and Aitana Rodrigo.

Finally, the mixed 4×400 meters comes after a spectacular year. After breaking the Spanish record in Madrid with 3:10.48 (Manuel Guijarro, Blanca Hervas, Julio Arenas, Paula Sevilla), the team won the silver medal at the Indoor World Championships in Toruń with Markel Fernandez, Paula Sevilla, David Garcia and Blanca Hervas. Results that invite optimism and dream of new deeds.

The Spanish expedition in Gaborone is a mix of present and future, of experience and youth, with a clear objective: to secure places for the next big events and continue writing golden chapters in the history of Spanish athletics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When are the World Athletics Relays held in Gaborone?: The days May 2 and 3.
How important are these relays for Spain?: They are key for direct classification Ultimate Championships 2026 in Budapest and Beijing World Cup 2027.
How many places are awarded for Budapest?: They are awarded 6 direct seats in the 4×100 m and 4×400 m mixed events.
How many places are awarded for Beijing?: They are awarded 12 direct seats for the 2027 Beijing World Cup.
How many athletes make up the Spanish preselection?: A total of 26 athletes (14 men and 12 women).
Which women's relay teams stand out?: The 4×100 m with Bestué, Cladera and Pérezand the 4×400 m with Seville and Hervásworld medalists.
Which athletes lead the men's 4×100 m?: Guillem Crespíchampion of Spain, and other sprinters with outstanding marks.
Who are the veterans of the men's 4×400 m?: Oscar Husillos and Samuel Garciamembers of the Spanish record.
What is the objective of the 4×100 m mixed?: Qualify for the major championships and beat the national mark of 41.00.
What recent successes does the mixed 4×400 m have?: Silver medal at the Toruń Indoor World Cup and Spanish record.