In Birmingham, Spain’s 4x100 mixed relay team won bronze at its first European Championships, setting a national record of 40.42 seconds. The quartet, Guillem Crespí, Maribel Pérez, Andoni Calbano and Jaël Bestué, delivered a breakthrough result for the country in the emerging event.
The championships took place in August 2026 at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, with Great Britain & Northern Ireland competing on home soil. Spain finished behind the host nation, Great Britain, which took gold with a European record of 39.97, and Germany, which claimed silver in 40.11. Spain finished nearly half a second ahead of Switzerland, while Portugal rounded out the top five. Italy and the Netherlands failed to complete the race, and Belgium was disqualified for a baton exchange outside the legal zone.
Each Spanish athlete delivered a strong leg. Crespí moved the team into third position after a powerful opening curve. Calbano maintained the momentum, while Pérez and Bestué posted the second-fastest splits in their respective segments, 10.33 for Pérez and 10.03 for Bestué. Precise baton exchanges proved impressive: Spain avoided the errors that cost other contenders their place on the podium.
The event marked the European debut of the 4x100 mixed relay, officially introduced at the World Relays in Guangzhou in 2025. The Spanish squad, featuring the same four athletes, had set a national record of 40.51 in Gaborone a year later, securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing. Their consistency and improvement show the growing depth of Spanish sprinting.
Attention in Birmingham also turned to the women’s 4x400, considered a strong medal contender. Great Britain finished second in the overall medal table. In an interview with Athletics Weekly, Great Britain & Northern Ireland coach Paula Dunn said: “We were really clear that we were going to [the European Championships in] Birmingham to get six medals.” The championships drew impressive interest, with Spanish athletes increasingly making their mark on the European stage. Recent coverage of major sporting events, such as the opening of the bullfighting season in El Puerto, reflects the broadening scope of Spanish achievements in traditional and modern arenas.
The introduction of the mixed relay at major championships is part of a wider trend toward gender-balanced events in athletics. Spain’s rapid adaptation and success in the format show the country’s commitment to new idea and competitiveness. The team’s Birmingham bronze marks a key stage for Spanish track and field as it looks ahead to future international competitions.
Held biennially, the European Athletics Championships provide a platform for emerging talents and established stars. Spain’s mixed relay medal adds to the nation’s tally and signals a new era for relay events, where teamwork and precision matter as much as individual speed. The result in Birmingham may encourage further investment and focus on sprint disciplines within Spanish athletics federations.
