South Africa, Kenya, and USA given second chance to qualify for World Championships relay finals

The men’s relay teams from South Africa, Kenya, and the United States have been granted a second chance to qualify for their respective finals after being impeded during their heats.

The South African men’s 4x100m team, initially eliminated due to interference during their heat, was authorized to run a solo time trial at 10:33 a.m. on the day of the final.

Under Rule TR17.2, which covers obstruction, and Rule TR24.19, which allows reruns in relay events when a team is disadvantaged through no fault of their own, South Africa was given the opportunity to qualify by beating France’s time of 38.34 seconds.

If successful, they would be added as a ninth team in the final.

Meanwhile, the men’s 4x400m relay teams from Kenya and the United States were also victims of interference. Kenya was barged during their heat, while the U.S. team was obstructed by Zambia during the second changeover.

Both teams filed protests under Rule TR18.5, which governs appeals and reviews. The Jury of Appeal upheld the protests and scheduled a head-to-head rerun between the two nations at 10:40 a.m. on the day of the final. The winner of that race would secure the ninth lane in the final.