In many ways, history repeated itself in the mixed 4x400m at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

Once again, USA claimed gold. Once again, they stopped the clock at 3:08.80, equalling the championship record set two years ago in 2023. Once again, US anchor Alexis Holmes held off a Dutch team anchored by Femke Bol.

The only difference this time is that Bol stayed on her feet to secure the silver medal for the Netherlands.

South Africa posed an early threat after Gardeo Isaacs ran the fastest opening leg, 44.57. But Lynna Irby-Jackson, who earned Olympic mixed 4x400m gold in this same stadium four years ago, put the USA into a comfortable lead thanks to a 49.18 leg. Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands tried to give chase, clocking 49.55, but USA’s Jenoah McKiver extended USA’s lead on the third leg with his 43.91 split.

Going into the final leg, USA was away and clear while the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Great Britain were all locked in battle for the other podium positions.

Holmes, a trusted anchor leg runner, maintained the USA’s lead through to the end, crossing the line in 3:08.80. Bol completed the final lap in 50.06 to take silver in 3:09.96, finishing comfortably ahead of Belgium (3:10.61).

"Every time we come out here, we want to leave with the gold medal," said Holmes. "As long as everyone handles their leg, we are aways going to do the best we can. I am excited with the victory. I don't take any of these opportunities to compete for USA for granted."

Bol said: "It was a bit chaotic in the beginning, but that is how we like relays. The team put me in a great position and then we just tried to catch up."

Poland, the world leaders heading into Tokyo, finished just outside of the medals in 3:10.63. Great Britain clocked 3:10.84 – faster than the time they ran for silver in Budapest two years ago, but enough for just fifth place tonight in a high-quality race in Tokyo.

South Africa (3:11.89), Italy (3:15.82) and hosts Japan (3:17.53) rounded out the finalists.

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics