The German women’s 4x100-meter relay team will not compete in the final at the European Athletics Championships. According to WELT, the squad, which included Gina Lückenkemper, was eliminated in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 15, 2026, after a problem during a baton exchange.
Multiple German outlets, including BILD and Spiegel, report that the mishap occurred during a handover and involved an injury. The relay team’s exit was described as a dramatic end to their campaign in the competition, with the exchange failing to connect cleanly and leaving the quartet without a chance to advance.
In contrast, long jumper Malaika Mihambo secured her place in the final. WELT reports that she again demonstrated strong nerves under pressure, qualifying despite a tense performance. Sportschau noted that Mihambo “shook” her way into the final, suggesting her result was not as comfortable as she might have hoped, but it was enough to progress.
The relay’s early departure is a significant blow for the German team, which had been expected to challenge for a medal. The injury sustained during the exchange adds to the disappointment, as it may affect the athlete’s availability for other events at the championships.
Attention now turns to the finals, where Mihambo will compete for a title. Her ability to deliver when it matters will be tested again, while the relay squad will be left to assess what went wrong and plan for future competitions.
