Twenty-four hours after missing out on the individual 400m title in a race where the championship record fell, Khaleb McRae gained redemption by anchoring USA to victory in the men’s 4x400m in a championship record of 3:01.52 at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26 on Sunday (22).

In so doing, the USA claimed their 12th world indoor title in the men’s 4x400m, defeating two of their biggest rivals: Belgium, winner of this title in 2024, and Jamaica, the silver medallists in 2025.

Belgium took an early lead thanks to Jonathan Sacoor’s 45.83 opening leg, but Chris Robinson – who had finished just outside the medals in the individual 400m – put USA in front at half way thanks to a 45.16 split.

Demarius Smith held USA’s lead, though Belgium’s Julien Watrin managed to close slightly. McRae extended the leading margin on the final leg, though, anchoring the US home with a swift 44.65 clocking to cross the line in 3:01.52 – just 0.01 shy of the world short track record.

Belgium took silver in 3:03.29 and Jamaica claimed bronze in 3:05.99, just 0.06 ahead of the Netherlands.

“Once my guys got me in a good position, I knew I was going to be able to bring it home,” said McRae. “It was amazing for me to win my first gold medal with a championship record.”

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics

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