World Athletics Championships 2025: Heartbreak for Kenya as Mary Moraa-Led Relay Team is Disqualified

Kenya suffered a heartbreaking start to their World Championship campaign as the Mixed 4x400m relay team was disqualified despite qualifying for the final in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

The team, anchored by world 800m champion Mary Mora, also had Brian Tinega, Mercy Adongo, Allan Kipyego and they stormed into the final after clocking an African record of 3:10.73, having finished second in Heat 2 and smashed the mark of 3:11.16, that had been set by South Africa earlier in Heat 1.

That saw them qualify for the final and there were wild celebrations after the race but news came in that they would not be making the final following their disqualification for lane infringement.

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Team Kenya had a great start with Tinega handing the baton to Adongo, who passed it to Kipyego and he did well, closing in on his rivals, before handing it over to Moraa.

Moraa showed her 400m prowess as she finished second behind Belgium, who won Heat 2 after clocking 3:10.37, with the Kenyan contingent sealing a place in the final.

But as they were conducting interviews, news filtered through that they had been disqualified for violating World Athletics Rule TR17.23. (Use for a direct DQ for lane infringement e.g. stepping over the line completely or multiple infringements on the line in the same race run in lanes).

Kipyego is adjudged to have stepped over the line completely at the bend, leading to direct disqualification, helping hosts Japan earn a slot in Saturday’s final as one of the best losers, while the African record will now go to South Africa. Kenya was expected to appeal the decision.