Jakub Krzewina anchors Poland to gold in the men's 4x400m at the World Indoors in Birmingham
The United States have racked up 10 victories in all, including six in the last seven championships. They do not line up at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22 as defending champions, however, having been eclipsed by an inspired Polish quartet in Birmingham four years ago.
On that occasion, Jakub Krzewina overhauled Vernon Norwood with a 45.00 anchor leg that brought Poland home in a world record 3:01.77. This time round, the defending champions have an entirely different squad, while the United States have reigning world outdoor 800m champion Donavan Brazier and 48.80 400m hurdler Trevor Bassitt in their squad.
On 2022 times, Bassitt is seventh fastest in the US this year but second on the entry list for the individual 400m with the 45.75 that won him the US title. Liemarvin Bonevacia is the fastest individual entrant on form, with 45.48, and the Olympic 400m finalist is part of a strong Netherlands squad aiming for gold after taking silver behind the US in Tokyo.
The Dutch have three-quarters of their Olympic quartet in Bonevacia, Tony van Diepen and Terrence Agard and will fancy their chances of keeping the title in Europe.
So will their neighbours Belgium, who boast all four members of the team that finished fourth in the Olympic final: Borlee brothers Kevin and Dylan, Alexander Doom and Jonathan Sacoor. They also have a third Borlee, Jonathan.
Spain could also figure in the medal shake up, with Manuel Guijarro, Bruno Hortelano-Roig (both 46.02) and Bernat Erta (46.23) all among the top 12 in the individual entry.
Simon Turnbull for World Athletics
