Heartbreak as Kenya’s mixed relay team disqualified despite record run in Tokyo

Kenya’s quartet of Mary Moraa, Brian Tinega, Mercy Oketch and Allan Kipyego in Tokyo, September 13, 2025. /AK

Kenya’s hopes of a historic medal in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo ended in heartbreak after the team was disqualified despite clocking a new African and national record.

The quartet of Mary Moraa, Brian Tinega, Mercy Oketch and Allan Kipyego thrilled fans with a brilliant second-place finish in Heat 2, crossing the line in 3:10.73.

The result secured what appeared to be a place in the final while rewriting the continental and national record books.

But the celebrations were short-lived as race officials confirmed the team’s disqualification for a lane infringement, ruling them out of the final.

A video review showed Tinega stepping out of his lane, nullifying their result.

Kenya had crossed the line second behind Belgium, who clinched the heat in 3:10.37.

The decision was a bitter blow, especially for Moraa, who anchored the team with her trademark kick. Kenyan fans quickly rallied around the athletes, praising them as “champions in our eyes” and hailing the record-breaking performance as a sign of the nation’s rising potential in sprints.

The disappointment was softened just hours later when Beatrice Chebet stormed to victory in the women’s 10,000m final, clinching Kenya’s first gold medal at the championships.

Chebet clocked 30:37.61 to end a decade-long drought in the event, last won by Vivian Cheruiyot in 2015. Her win reaffirmed her dominance as world record holder, reigning Olympic champion, and now world champion.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s middle-distance stars kept the country’s hopes high in the women’s 1500m.

Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Dorcus Ewoi and Susan Ejore all eased through their heats to qualify for the semifinals, fuelling expectations of another podium sweep in Tokyo.

The contrasting fortunes highlighted both the agony and ecstasy of world championship athletics, as Team Kenya looked to Chebet’s golden run and the strong 1500m lineup to restore momentum after the relay heartbreak.