An apprehensive ripple has spread through the track world. So far, in the relay races, teams were allowed to keep up to six athletes as substitutes for the heats and the finals. That meant a team could run four athletes in the heats and completely replace the lineup with four fresh athletes in the final if they wanted. But now, World Athletics has decided to alter this rule with effect from the 2026 season, sending fans and athletes alike into the depths of despair.

Under the updated rule, teams may still name up to six athletes in their relay pool, but they can change only two athletes between the heats and the final. What this would mean for the team is that at least half of the final lineup must have actually helped the team qualify. This will prevent teams with deep squads from restin

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