The 4x400m relay holds a truly special place in my heart, and it all began in 2022 at the British Masters Championships in Derby. That year, I was competing in the 400m individual race when, for the very first time, I managed to break the 60 second barrier. It was a thrilling race, especially since I was up against a fierce competitors, John Wright and Peter Ilo. That moment in time gave me the belief that I could compete with the best in the world over 400m.
Unfortunately, by that time it was too late to enter the 2022 World Championships in Tampere, Finland, and I had to wait two long years for the opportunity to come around again.
Thankfully, that chance finally came in Gothenburg. I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent Team GB alongside three other incredible athletes: Andrew Ridley, Brett Davis, and Andrew Pringle. Each exceptional 400m runners in their own right. Together, we formed a strong, unified team and carefully laid out our race order for maximum impact.
Andrew Ridley was chosen to run the opening leg. He was the reigning British 400m champion and had already won two gold medals in Gothenburg in the 800m and 1500m events. His strong start would give us the early edge we needed. Andrew passed the baton to Brett, an accomplished 400m and 800m runner and bronze medalist at this year’s British Championships. We knew his speed endurance would help us build on Andrew’s start and Brett didn’t disappoint running a strong leg before passing the baton to Andrew Pringle.
Andrew, who was also competing in the high jump and triple jump at the Championships, ran a great leg, improving on his individual 400m time to set us up for a thrilling finish. Finally, it was my turn.
As I received the baton from Andrew, we were in 2nd place, behind Germany and ahead of the USA in 3rd and France in 4th. The guys had all done a brilliant job to get us into this position, and I knew we needed a sub 60 second leg for us to have any chance at a podium finish. Not only was I running my heart out for the team, but I was also driven by the ambition that had been burning inside me for over two years.
Germany has an unassailable lead, and it was clear they would take the gold, setting a new world record in the process. The real battle was between us and the USA. Running the final leg for Team USA was François C. Boda, an incredible athlete who had already won the individual 100m and 200m events and finished second in the individual 400m.
With François hot on my heels, I tried to run a controlled race, stay relaxed, don’t panic and blow it by running the first 200m too fast, but don’t run it too slow either, then give it all I had and push hard for home. I have vivid memories of the crowd going crazy, which meant François must have closed the gap and was right behind me. With 80m to go it became a head-to-head race for the line. In those final moments, I dug deep, finding just enough strength to hold him and the lactic acid at bay. I crossed the finish line a mere metre ahead of him, securing the silver medal for Team GB in 4:00.94
It was a moment of absolute joy. Immense pride swept over me when the team came together to celebrate at the finish of the race. Not only had we won the silver medal but from a personal perspective I had managed to run my leg in 59.9 seconds, which offered some redemption for my individual 400m performance.
Though we didn’t win the gold, that silver medal remains one of the most satisfying achievements of my career. We went up against the best in the world, and it took a world record performance to beat us. Standing on the podium with my teammates, knowing we had given everything, was a proud and unforgettable experience. Next time, we’ll aim for the top step of the podium. But for now, I’ll cherish the silver, the memories, and the bond I’ve formed with three incredible teammates.
And with that my World. Championship journey was over. What an experience !!
Stuart Lynn - Masters Athlete 