Spain Secures Silver in Historic 4x400m Mixed Relay at World Indoor Championships
Torun, Poland – March 21, 2026 – The Spanish team delivered a stunning performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, claiming silver in the inaugural 4x400m mixed relay final. The team’s time of 3:16.96 not only secured a place on the podium but also established a new Spanish record in the event. This marks a significant achievement for Spanish athletics and a promising start to the championships.
The quartet representing Spain consisted of David García, Markel Fernández, Paula Sevilla, and Blanca Hervás – all athletes who had previously competed in individual events at these championships. The decision to utilize these four athletes underscored the confidence of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) in their versatility and potential within the newly established relay format.
This event was a first for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, adding an extra layer of anticipation and unpredictability to the competition. With six nations vying for a medal, the race was expected to be fiercely contested. The Spanish team approached the final without the pressure of heavy expectations, allowing them to compete freely and execute their strategy effectively.
A Race Marked by Challenges and Resilience
Markel Fernández took the first leg for Spain, facing a challenging start from the innermost lane. He encountered difficulties finding a clear path, experiencing multiple bumps and having to adjust his stride, which ultimately led to him handing off the baton in last place with a time of 47.76 seconds. Despite the difficult start, Fernández remained in contention, setting the stage for his teammates.
Paula Sevilla ran the second leg and capitalized on a chaotic moment in the race. A multi-runner fall involving athletes from the Netherlands and the United States created an opening for Sevilla to gain ground. She delivered a remarkable split of 52.05 seconds, the fastest of all the runners in the second leg, and moved Spain into contention, despite the earlier setback.
At 20 years old, David García showcased his talent on the third leg, competing against seasoned veterans of the two-lap race. He ran a strong 46.09 seconds – the third-fastest time in the leg – and maintained Spain’s third-place position. García’s performance demonstrated the depth of talent emerging within the Spanish athletics program.
The final leg saw Blanca Hervás tasked with securing a medal for Spain. Running strategically, she stayed close behind Jamaica’s Leah Anderson, maintaining a slight advantage over Poland’s Justyna Swiety. In a thrilling finish, Hervás surged forward in the final stretch, securing the silver medal for Spain.
Belgium Claims Gold, Spain Sets National Record
Belgium took the gold medal with a winning time of 3:15.60, while Jamaica rounded out the podium with a time of 3:17.13. Spain’s silver medal-winning time of 3:16.96 not only secured a podium finish but also established a new national record for the 4x400m mixed relay. This achievement is a testament to the success of the RFEA’s National Relay Plan.
The race wasn’t without its drama. The Netherlands’ Keenan Blake stumbled early in the first leg, impacting both his own race and inadvertently causing a fall involving Sara Reifenrath of the United States, effectively eliminating the American team from medal contention.
This silver medal represents a significant milestone for Spanish athletics, demonstrating the country’s growing strength in relay events. The team’s performance in Torun underscores the effectiveness of the RFEA’s development programs and the potential for future success on the international stage.
What’s Next for the Spanish Team?
Blanca Hervás is also scheduled to compete in the final of the individual 400m event later today, adding to the excitement for Spanish fans. The team will look to build on this momentum as the World Athletics Indoor Championships continue in Torun. Fans can follow updates and results on the official World Athletics website: https://worldathletics.org/. The championships conclude on Sunday, March 22nd, with further opportunities for Spanish athletes to compete for medals.
The success of the Spanish 4x400m mixed relay team is a story of resilience, strategic execution, and emerging talent. It’s a moment that will be remembered as a landmark achievement in Spanish athletics history.
