Alexis Holmes leads USA to world record at World Championships

Former Kentucky track & field star Alexis Holmes is a world champion and world record holder. Representing the United States at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, the ’22 graduate made history in the mixed 4x400m relay with a comeback victory to pull off the upset.

It was a finish for the ages, Holmes passing Olympic medalist Femke Bol of the Netherlands in the final ten meters, the Dutch star falling to the ground and dropping her baton as the former Wildcat passed her and crossed the finish line. Holmes finished the anchor leg with a personal-best 48.82 to give USA the world record at 3:08:80.

The official world record splits are as follows:

44.47 – Justin Robinson 50.38 – Rosey Effiong 45.13 – Matthew Boling 48.82 – Alexis Holmes

The previous world record was 3:09.34, held by a U.S. group that featured Allyson Felix, Wilbert London, Courtney Okolo and Michael Cherry in 2020.

Interestingly enough, Bol finished with the Silver medal behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone — another American and former Kentucky superstar — at Worlds in 2022.

 “I just couldn’t get my strength like I normally do. I think I cramped up when I felt someone next to me. Then I was on the ground,” Bol said after the loss. “… I feel great. Today I didn’t show it. I would like my revenge.”

Must be a Wildcat thing.

“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking much,” Holmes said after the win. “I kind of just went into autopilot and stayed as composed as I could. Coming off the last turn, I felt really strong and kind of felt myself inching closer to her. I kept telling myself, ‘Just get to the line.’ It just worked out for the best.

“… I was determined when I came into this to show everyone, ‘Hey, I’m still here.’”

Holmes isn’t the only former Wildcat competing at the World Athletics Championships, six in total in Budapest with one volunteer coach. The complete list of participants can be found below:

Men

Daniel Roberts ‘19 – Team USA – 110m hurdles

Women

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (2015-2018) – Team Puerto Rico – 100m hurdlesKeni Harrison ‘15 – Team USA – 100m hurdlesMicaela Hazlewood ’19 – Team USA – Discus ThrowAlexis Holmes ’22 – Team USA – 4×400 Relay PoolMasai Russell ’23 – Team USA – 100m hurdlesDevynne Charlton, Kentucky volunteer coach, Purdue alumni – Team Bahamas – 100m hurdles

The meet will be broadcast on NBC Universal’s broadcast and streaming platforms. NBC, CNBC, and the USA Network will combine to air live coverage of each day of the nine-day meet. All TV coverage also streams on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app for subscribers.

Peacock will also simul-stream all TV coverage, plus additional live coverage including individual streams of field event finals.

Check out the complete schedule below:

UKTF schedule at World Athletics Championships

August 20TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s Discus Throw3:00 a.m.Qualification – Group A ORMicaela Hazlewood – Team USACNBC/NBCSports.com/PeacockMen’s 110H7:05 a.m.HeatsDaniel Roberts – Team USACNBC/NBCSports.com/PeacockWomen’s Discus Throw4:30 a.m.Qualification – Group BMicaela Hazlewood – Team USACNBC/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 21TimeRoundStatusTVMen’s 110H2:05 p.m.SemifinalDaniel Roberts – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/PeacockMen’s 110H3:40 p.m.FinalDaniel Roberts – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 22TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s 100H12:40 p.m.HeatsJasmine Camacho-Quinn – Team Puerto RicoKeni Harrison – Team USAMasai Russell – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/PeacockWomen’s Discus Throw2:20 p.m.FinalMicaela Hazlewood – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 23TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s 100H2:40 p.m.SemifinalJasmine Camacho-Quinn – Team Puerto RicoKeni Harrison – Team USAMasai Russell – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 24TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s 100H3:25 p.m.FinalJasmine Camacho-Quinn – Team Puerto RicoKeni Harrison – Team USAMasai Russell – Team USAUSA Network/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 26TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s 4×400 Relay1:55 p.m.HeatsAlexis Holmes – Team USACNBC/NBCSports.com/Peacock

August 27TimeRoundStatusTVWomen’s 4×400 Relay3:47 p.m.FinalAlexis Holmes – Team USACNBC/NBCSports.com/Peacock

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