Bahamas passes IAAF World Relays Baton to Japan

Bahamas passes IAAF World Relays Baton to Japan
Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo during the mixed 4x400m at the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017 (Getty Images)

Yokohama, Japan was officially named as the new host of the 2019 International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) World Relays.

The IAAF council this week voted to award one of the biggest events on the athletics calendar to Yokohama.

Earlier this year, The Bahamas government confirmed that it was no longer able to offer financial backing for the event.

“After The Bahamas government confirmed it would no longer be able to offer the financial guarantee that underpinned the event in Nassau, several member federations contacted the IAAF directly to express their interest in hosting the 2019 World Relays,” the IAAF said in a statement.

“Following very careful consideration, Japan was considered to be the preferred location.”

Japan is set to host the two-day event on May 11-12 next year.

Along with congratulating Japan on acquiring the games, IAAF president Sebastian Coe thanked The Bahamas for its role in developing the World Relays in a successful competition.

“I am delighted that Yokohama has stepped in to host our youngest World Athletics Series,” he said.

“The Bahamas has left important footprints on the history of athletics by organizing the IAAF World Relays for the past three editions, and it is an honour and privilege for Japan to receive the baton from them.”

The 2017 event featured men’s and women’s 4×100 meters (m), 4x200m, 4x400m and 4x800m, as well as a mixed 4x400m race.

About Randy Smith

Randy Smith is the producer of the widely-watched local television show “Beyond The Headlines” and the web content manager of Eyewitness News. He joined Eyewitness News as a sportscaster in 2018, a role he still performs, and has previously covered a slew of international sporting events, including the 2015 Pan American Games, the Nike EYBL Showcase, several IAAF World Relays, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the Commonwealth Youth Games, the Bahamas Bowl and multiple CARIFTA Swimming and Track & Field Championships. Randy has been recognized by the Bahamas Press Club with awards for “Best Sports Broadcast” as a sportscaster and “Best TV Talk Show” as a producer.