Athletics New Zealand is pleased to announce the additional selection of three athletes for the 2026 World Athletics Under 20 Championships.
Joining the already announced team of 12 are Nina Chalmers (ACA), Poppy Healy (Whippets), and Zara Pomfret (ACA), bringing New Zealand’s currently selected contingent for the biennial championships to 15, matching the team of 15 who competed at the previous edition in Lima in 2024.
Nina Chalmers earned selection in the 3000m, holding a personal best of 9:22.80 from March 2026. Chalmers earned bronze medals in the 2026 NZ Track and Field Championships in the U20 800m and 1500m. Nina will join Scarlett Robb in the 3000m as the two selected Kiwis in the event.
2025 Oceania Cup representative Zara Pomfret earns her spot in the NZ team in the 1500m. Pomfret won bronze over the distance at the Oceania Cup in Tonga and will now step onto the global stage in Eugene. She will also join Scarlett Robb in the 1500m, with Robb selected in both the 1500m and 3000m for the Championships.
Wellingtonian Poppy Healy represented New Zealand at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, racing in the U20 6km. Healy is currently running in the NCAA system, where she represents Butler University. She earned selection in the 800m, where she will join Boh Ritchie on the start line.
Congratulations to the three additional athletes selected to compete in Eugene. The Championships will be held at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon from 5–9 August 2026.
The NZ Team for the 2026 World Athletics Championships.
New Selections
Nina Chalmers – 3000m Coach: Phil Clode
Poppy Healy – 800m Coach: Matt Rowe
Zara Pomfret – 1500m Coach: Graeme Holden
Previously Selected
Kendra Scally-Tu’i – 100m & 200m Coach: Gary Henley-Smith
Madeleine Waddell – 400m Coach: Sonia Waddell
Boh Ritchie – 800m Coach: Ryan Foster
Scarlett Robb – 1500m & 3000m Coach: Graeme Holden
Bronwen Rees-Jones – 3000m Steeplechase Coach: Steve Rees-Jones
Karmen Maritz – Shot Put & Discus Coach: Mike Schofield
Sam Ruthe – 1500m Coach: Craig Kirkwood
Joe Martin – 800m Coach: Ian Moini
George Wyllie – 1500m Coach: Mia Forster
Conall McLean – 800m Coach: Hamish Meacham
Manaia Christiansen – Shot Put Coach: John Eden
Austin McDougall – Shot Put & Discus Coach: Mike Schofield
Notes:
Under clause 8.7 additional athletes can be added to the team in one or more Additional Selection Announcements up to 14 June 2026, before the final selection announcement on 22 June 2026.