Mia de Jager joins the team in the women’s 400m. She is the reigning NZ U20 400m champion. She achieved the World U20 qualifying standard before lowering her personal best further to 54.07 in January 2026. A versatile athlete, she also competes over 200m and in the high jump, and has run for New Zealand in the mixed 4x400m relay.

Kate Hallie is an Auckland thrower who won the national U20 shot put title in 2024 and in 2025. She has personal bests of 14.65m in the shot put, and 51.89m in the discus, both set this year. She is now competing on a scholarship at Miami University in the United States.

Caitlin Kirk joins the team in the 3000m steeplechase, with a personal best of 10:27.20 from April of this year. From the central Hawke’s Bay and is currently attending Massey University in Palmerston North, pursuing a bachelor of Sport and Exercise.

Hunter Scott earns selection in the men’s 400m. Scott is a Christchurch sprinter who has held national age-group titles across the 100m, 200m and 400m. He ran a 400m personal best of 47.13 in Brisbane in April 2026.

Hamish Murray joins the team in the men’s 1500m. Murray has been racing with Eastern Kentucky University in the USA over the past year, during which he lowered his 1500m PB to 3:46.80 at the Wake Forest Invitational.

Sam Ruthe has made the decision to withdraw from the team to focus on a comprehensive return-to-performance programme following his earlier injury, which also ruled him out of Commonwealth Games selection consideration. The timeframe to be fully race-ready for the U20 Championships was always going to be challenging and carried some additional risk to achieving a complete and sustainable return. Sam is prioritising his long-term development and is excited to continue building a strong winter foundation over the coming months. He has also withdrawn from consideration for the World Athletics Road Running team scheduled for September, with his focus firmly on returning stronger and building throughout winter to the NZ Summer.

Congratulations to the newly selected athletes, and the entire 19-strong team selected to compete in Eugene. The Championships will be held at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon from 5–9 August 2026.

New Selections

Mia de Jager – 200m & 400m Coach: Criss Strange
Kate Hallie –  Shot Put and Discus Coach: Ryan Smith
Caitlin Kirk – 3000m Steeplechase Coach: Richard Potts
Hunter Scott – 400m Coach: Adam Blake
Hamish Murray – 1500m Coach: Mia Forster

Non-Travelling Reserves
Melelosaline Lose – Discus Coach: John Eden 
Phoebe Laker – 400m Coach: Michael Beable

Previously Selected Athletes

Kendra Scally-Tu’i – 100m & 200m Coach: Gary Henley-Smith
Madeleine Waddell – 400m Coach: Sonia Waddell
Boh Ritchie – 800m Coach: Ryan Foster
Poppy Healy – 800m Coach: Matt Rowe
Zara Pomfret – 1500m Coach: Graeme Holden
Scarlett Robb – 1500m & 3000m Coach: Graeme Holden
Nina Chalmers – 3000m Coach: Phil Clode
Bronwen Rees-Jones – 3000m Steeplechase Coach: Steve Rees-Jones
Karmen Maritz  – Shot Put & Discus Coach: Mike Schofield
Manaia Christiansen – Shot Put Coach: John Eden
Austin McDougall – Shot Put & Discus Coach: Mike Schofield
Joe Martin – 800m Coach: Ian Moini
Conall McLean – 800m Coach: Hamish Meacham
George Wyllie – 1500m Coach: Mia Forster

These rules help keep sport fair, protect athlete health and build trust in competition. With major global changes coming in 2027, it’s important they work for Aotearoa New Zealand.  

The Commission seeks feedback from anyone who may be impacted by the 2027 Rules – athletes, coaches, team managers, administrators and more. Your feedback will help make sure the updated 2027 Rules work for sporting communities across the motu. 

Consultation open from 9 June to 19 July 2026  

Have your say at sportintegrity.nz/haveyoursay2027 

Meet our team and view their competition schedules here.

Steeplechase world champion Geordie Beamish headlines the Kiwi contingent on the track. Beamish stunned the sporting world in 2025 when he flew from seventh to the lead to overhaul two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali in the final strides at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The win was New Zealand’s first-ever world title in a men’s track event.

Beamish is now based in Boulder, Colorado and will be looking to improve on his fifth-place finish at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Men’s Shot Put is set to be a one to watch in Glasgow.

Four-time world indoor champ Tom Walsh, the most decorated male athlete in World Athletics Indoor Championships history with seven medals, returns to defend his Commonwealth Games title alongside Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Jacko Gill.

Walsh and Gill’s one-two finish in Birmingham was one of the big moments of the Games, with the pair now joined by rising young thrower Nick Palmer at Glasgow 2026. Palmer has trained alongside Walsh in recent years and is a regular 20m+ thrower.

In the women’s field events, Imogen Ayris makes her return to the Games as the reigning Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the Pole Vault.

She will arrive in Glasgow in career-best form after a bronze medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń in 2026 and clearing a new PB of 4.81m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland in June.

She is joined in the Pole Vault by three-time Olympian and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Eliza McCartney, the national record holder at 4.94m and 2025 London Diamond League winner Olivia McTaggart. The trio makes up one of the deepest Women’s Pole Vault groups New Zealand has fielded at a major Games.

Reigning High Jump World, Commonwealth and Olympic champion Hamish Kerr also returns to the New Zealand Team. Kerr cleared 2.30m earlier this year at the Track Stars event in Auckland and has set his sights for more at Glasgow 2026.

Sprint star Zoe Hobbs leads the women’s track programme fresh off of a Diamond League podium in Oslo and an 11.00s performance over 100m in Darwin at the Oceania Athletics Championships.

In the middle distances the New Zealand Team is represented by Paris Olympian James Preston in the Men’s 800m, who shattered Sir Peter Snell’s 62-year-old 800m national record in 2024, and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner who will contest the Men’s One Mile. Geordie Beamish has also been given permission to start in the Men’s One Mile in Glasgow, meaning two Kiwis could contest the distance which returns to the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time since 1966.

National Javelin record holder Tori Moorby and five-time national Hammer champion Lauren Bruce lead the women’s throws, while reigning World Under-20 Triple Jump champion Ethan Olivier makes his Commonwealth Games debut. 

The Heptathlon features debutants Briana Stephenson, alongside national champion Maddie Wilson. Anthony Barmes, James Steyn and Nick Southgate round out the team in the Men’s Hammer and Pole Vault respectively.

Athletics New Zealand CEO, Cam Mitchell, said the team was one of the strongest athletics contingents New Zealand had assembled for a Commonwealth Games.

“From reigning World, Commonwealth and Olympic champions to athletes competing at their first Games, we have exceptional depth and real medal aspirations across multiple events. Glasgow 2026 is going to be an outstanding Games for New Zealand athletics.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol, congratulated the athletes on their selections.

“We welcome each of the 21 athletes selected to the New Zealand Team for Glasgow 2026,” said Nicol.

“In recent years, Athletics has provided us with some memorable moments at Games time and we hope this group will continue that legacy of performance excellence, all while wearing the fern with pride and distinction,” she said.

The Athletics programme takes place at Scotstoun Sports Campus from 27 July to 1 August.

NZ Team — Athletics | Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games:
Max Attwell – Men’s Decathlon
Imogen Ayris – Women’s Pole Vault
Anthony Barmes – Men’s Hammer Throw
Geordie Beamish – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
Lauren Bruce – Women’s Hammer Throw
Jacko Gill – Men’s Shot Put
Anna Grimaldi – Women’s 100m T47 (selected on 30 April)
Zoe Hobbs – Women’s 100m
Hamish Kerr – Men’s High Jump
Eliza McCartney – Women’s Pole Vault
Olivia McTaggart – Women’s Pole Vault
Tori Moorby – Women’s Javelin
Ethan Olivier – Men’s Triple Jump
Nick Palmer – Men’s Shot Put
James Preston – Men’s 800m
Nick Southgate – Men’s Pole Vault
James Steyn – Men’s Pole Vault
Briana Stephenson – Women’s Heptathlon
Sam Tanner – Men’s One Mile
Tom Walsh – Men’s Shot Put
Maddie Wilson – Women’s Heptathlon

The following athlete has been granted permission to start in an additional event at the Games:
Geordie Beamish – Men’s One Mile

World steeplechase champion Geordie Beamish, 17-year-old national mile record holder Sam Ruthe, and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner make up a men’s road mile trio that selectors have been unable to separate at this stage of the selection process.

Ruthe’s presence alone makes this one of the most remarkable men’s road mile entries New Zealand has ever fielded. In January, the then 16-year-old shattered Sir John Walker’s New Zealand mile record, a mark that had stood for 44 years, running 3:48.88 at the Boston University Terrier Classic to set the world under-18 best and place himself 11th on the all-time global indoor mile list.

Beamish brings formidable road-mile experience to the event, having competed at the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile in New York and the Merrie Mile in Hawaii, alongside his standing as the reigning world steeplechase champion. Tanner, meanwhile, is one of New Zealand’s most decorated road competitors, having won the national road mile championship at The Spectacle in Nelson against a quality international field, and boasts the experience of multiple World Athletics Championships campaigns.

With two spots available on the Copenhagen start line, all three athletes have been provisionally named while selectors finalise the starting pair ahead of an August announcement. The road 5km, staged on the same day, provides the third athlete an opportunity to still compete in Copenhagen should they miss out on the mile.

The Quax name will once again take pride of place on the front of the iconic black singlet, as Theo Quax, son of New Zealand distance running legend the late Dick Quax, earns selection for the Road 5km at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Dick Quax is one of the most celebrated runners in New Zealand history. Part of the golden generation of New Zealand middle-distance running in the 1970s alongside Sir John Walker and Rod Dixon, he won silver in the 5000m at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games before setting the 5000m world record in Stockholm in 1977 with a time of 13:12.87. He coached his son Theo and remained a passionate servant of the sport until his passing in 2018. That his son will now line up on the global stage in a road 5km event carries its own significance.

“It’s an honour to don the black singlet for the first time.” said Quax

“It’s something that I’ve aimed for and hoped for, for a very long time and frankly since I was young and first got into the sport and first learned about how successfully Dad competed for New Zealand and how well he represented the country. So that’s something that I’m hoping to replicate in my career.

“As far as the competition itself, I’m just hoping to go out there and compete the best I can. You know, toe the line with a quality field and see how many people I can beat, how many people I can get finish in front of. At the end of the day, that’s competition at this level, and that’s racing. I want to be able to execute a solid race.”

Women’s Road Mile and 5km

Two athletes will represent New Zealand in the women’s road mile in Copenhagen.

Alison Andrews-Paul is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished middle-distance runners on the international stage, having represented New Zealand twice at the World Athletics Indoor Championships over 800m. At the 2026 championships in Toruń, she delivered her strongest performance at the event, progressing to the semi-final after running 2:01.38.

Kimberley May makes her first New Zealand senior team in Copenhagen. The world-class miler represented New Zealand at the 2025 World University Games and announced herself at the NCAA level by finishing second at the 2024 NCAA Division I National Championships in the 1500m, behind fellow New Zealander Maia Ramsden.

Hannah Gapes lines up in the road 5km. One of New Zealand’s most consistent long-distance performers across road and cross-country, Gapes was the top New Zealand finisher at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships over 10km.

Half Marathon

Toby Gualter and Georgie Grgec lead New Zealand’s half marathon challenge in what shapes as an exciting chapter for both athletes at the world stage.

Gualter arrives in Copenhagen fresh off securing his seventh national title. The Wellington runner won the 2026 New Zealand Half Marathon Championships in Christchurch in April, running 1:03:15. His recent national title haul spans the road 5km, mountain running, 5000m on the track, and the half marathon across 2025 and 2026, making him the standout figure in New Zealand men’s road running. 

Grgec heads to Copenhagen in the form of her career. The Auckland City Athletics Club runner broke the 70-minute barrier in the half marathon for the first time at the Berlin Half Marathon in April 2025, running a personal best of 1:09:13 in a world-class field. She backed that up with a strong 10km performance in Launceston earlier this year and won the New Zealand road mile title in 2025 as she’s found her place in the half marathon distance as her focus event.

Also competing in the men’s half marathon are Oli Chignell, William Little, and Connor Melton. Katherine Camp joins Grgec in the women’s half marathon.

Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the team reflected the current strength of Athletics in New Zealand.

“This is the strongest team we have ever named for the World Athletics Road Running Championships,” Mitchell said. “Across every event, we have proven international talent backed by genuine depth — athletes who have competed at Olympic Games, World Championships, and at the top of the domestic circuit for years.

“To have three of the four fastest milers in New Zealand history competing for selection in the same event, and to see the Quax name return to the black singlet, speaks to the quality of what we have across the sport right now.”

The 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 19–20 September. The mile and 5km road events take place on 19 September, with the half marathon the following day. The half marathon programme will be followed by a sold-out mass participation event, with 35,000 registered participants set to race through the streets of Copenhagen.

New Zealand Team — 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships

Men’s Mile and 5km
Geordie Beamish — Road Mile* (Wanganui Harrier Club, Coach: Dathan Ritzenhein)
Sam Ruthe — Road Mile* (Athletics Tauranga, Coach: Craig Kirkwood)
Samuel Tanner — Road Mile* (Athletics Tauranga, Coach: Craig Mottram)
Theo Quax — Road 5km (Pakuranga Athletic Club, Coach: Mike Smith)

Women’s Mile and 5km
Alison Andrews-Paul — Road Mile (Athletics Wairarapa, Coach: Brit Townsend)
Kimberley May — Road Mile (Auckland City Athletics, Coach: Mark Coogan)
Hannah Gapes — Road 5km (Lake City Athletic Club, Coach: Laurie Henes)

Men’s Half Marathon
Oli Chignell — Half Marathon (Hill City University, Coach: Matthew Clarke)
Toby Gualter — Half Marathon (Olympic Harriers, Coach: Alastair Leslie)
William Little — Half Marathon (Whippets Running Project, Coach: Sam McLean)
Connor Melton — Half Marathon (Whippets Running Project, Coach: Sam McLean)

Women’s Half Marathon
Katherine Camp — Half Marathon (Te Awamutu Athletic Club, Coach: Craig Kirkwood)
Georgie Grgec — Half Marathon (Auckland City Athletics Club, Coach: Nic Bideau)

Non-travelling Reserves
Scarlett Robb — Mile
Taonga Mbambo — Half Marathon
Chris Dryden — Half Marathon

*Provisional selection. Final mile starting pair to be announced in August 2026.

Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected to represent the New Zealand Team at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, her first Commonwealth Games appearance.

Grimaldi is the first athletics athlete named in the New Zealand Team for Glasgow and will compete in the Para athletics Women’s 100m T47, with more athletics athletes set to be confirmed in the coming months.

She said having her classification included in the Commonwealth Games for the first time was an exciting prospect. 

“The Commonwealth Games has always been something I’ve wanted to experience. I’ve heard a lot about the Games from fellow athletes and I’m looking forward to getting over to Glasgow and competing,” said Grimaldi.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist said competing as part of a fully integrated New Zealand Team was something she was looking forward to.

“There’s something really special about being part of a team where Para athletes and able-bodied athletes compete together. It creates an environment where everyone is pushing for the same goal and supporting each other.”

Grimaldi said her focus now turns to preparation.

“I’m proud of the work that’s got me to this point, but there’s still plenty to do. Glasgow is a new challenge and I’m looking forward to preparing well and representing New Zealand with pride.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Chief Executive, Nicki Nicol, welcomed Grimaldi to the Team.

“It’s lovely to welcome Anna as our first athletics athlete to the New Zealand Team,” Nicol said.

“Anna embodies what a New Zealand Team environment is all about, she competes with pride andnsupports those around her. It was great to see her in Dunedin for our recent King’s Baton Relay week and we’re looking forward to cheering her on in Glasgow.”

Athletics New Zealand CEO, Cam Mitchell, congratulated Grimaldi on her selection and reinforced that further athletics announcements are on the way.

“Congratulations to Anna on her selection to the New Zealand Team for Glasgow 2026,” Mitchell said.

“Anna brings world-class experience and a proven ability to perform on the biggest stages; we’re delighted to have her as our first confirmed athletics athlete.”

“This announcement marks the start of athletics selections, and we’ll add more names in the coming months as the athletes continue to build towards Glasgow 2026,” he said.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, with able-bodied and Para athletes competing in the same Games.

Anna Grimaldi MNZM Bio

Anna Grimaldi will make her Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2026, competing in the Para athletics Women’s 100m T47.

A three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Anna Grimaldi is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most loved and respected Para athletes. Across three Paralympic Games she has consistently performed at the highest level, earning her place among the country’s most successful athletes on the global stage.

Born and raised in Dunedin, Anna developed a passion for sport at a young age, despite being born without her right hand. She played netball and basketball before Para athletics provided the pathway that would shape her sporting career.

Her journey took a significant step forward in late 2013 when she attended a Paralympics New Zealand Talent Identification camp in Dunedin. From that point, Anna’s rise through the international ranks gathered momentum.

Anna made her mark at her first World Para Athletics Championships in 2015, claiming a breakthrough bronze medal in the Women’s Long Jump T47. The result placed her firmly on the international radar.

Her Paralympic dream became reality at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Aged just 19, Anna won gold in the Women’s Long Jump T47, leaping to a personal best in the final round to secure the title. The performance captured the hearts of the nation and Grimaldi was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2017 New Year Honours for her services to athletics.

Motivated by her success in Rio, Anna committed to being a full-time athlete. After overcoming a foot stress fracture, she returned to form at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships, where she won silver in the Women’s Long Jump T47.

During the 2021 domestic season, Anna produced a string of personal bests, improving her national long jump T47 record by 29cm. That form carried through to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she successfully defended her long jump title.

Leading from the opening round in Tokyo, Anna set a Paralympic record of 5.74m before extending it to 5.76m with her fourth attempt, once again standing on top of the podium.

The 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris proved another defining chapter. Working with new coach Mike Jacobs and arriving early to prepare, Anna delivered a standout campaign. She claimed her first global track medal with bronze in the Women’s 100m T47 after setting an Oceania record in the heats.

In her signature long jump event, she broke her own national record to win silver with a leap of 5.96m, underlining her strength across multiple disciplines.

Anna continued her form at the Kobe 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, adding silver in the Long Jump T47 and bronze in the 100m T47 to her growing medal collection.

One of two flagbearers for the New Zealand Paralympic Team at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Anna went on to deliver an unforgettable Games. She set two Oceania records on her way to bronze in the Women’s 100m T47 and narrowly missed the podium in the long jump.

Her Games ended in spectacular fashion in the Women’s 200m T47. Setting Oceania records in both the heat and final, Anna stormed to gold in a personal best of 24.72, improving her pre-Games mark by more than a second.

Anna carried that momentum into the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, where she secured bronze in the Women’s 200m T47 after missing a medal in the 100m by one thousandth of a second.

Off the track, Anna has balanced elite sport with study, completing qualifications in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management through the University of Otago and Open Polytechnic. In 2025, she was recognised at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, winning Para Athlete or Para Team of the Year.

A new chapter in New Zealand Athletics is written as the team makes history as the first New Zealand team to compete at these championships. The team will contest the mixed 4x100m relay, an event making its second appearance at this year’s World Athletics Relays. The event runs a fixed format of man, woman, man, woman.

The selected team comprises Zoe Hobbs, Tiaan Whelpton, Brooke Somerfield, Lex Revell-Lewis, Jorja Gibbons and Hayato Yoneto. They’re supported by a travelling squad of Georgia Hulls, Shay Veitch, and Samantha Lathwood. 

World Athletics regulations permit six athletes to be entered into the relay, with the competing team of four to be determined in the build-up to the championships. 

New Zealand secured their qualification mark on the 4th April at Mt Smart Stadium when Tiaan Whelpton, Brooke Somerfield, Lex Revell-Lewis and Zoe Hobbs ran 41.30, landing equal 11th on the World Athletics rankings and booking their place at the 8th edition of the championships.

Zoe Hobbs, Oceania’s fastest woman and the holder of both the New Zealand and Oceania 100m records, headlines the team. Hobbs is fresh off her third World Athletics Indoor Championships campaign, where she finished 10th in the world. An excited Hobbs brings the firepower on the final leg, and deep international campaign experience.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to be part of this team heading to Gaborone. I had a lot of fun being involved over the weekend with the last push to secure the mixed teams’ place in the rankings. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do, having wrapped up 11th equal after the close of the weekend. I know I’ve got room to improve too — especially with a bit more exchange practice and refining my take-off distance with leg 3 for the receive.” Said Hobbs.

“It’s also really special to see a few of the team earn their first black singlet. Especially Brooke, someone I’ve grown up alongside in the sport and seeing her reach this senior milestone, along with Hayato, Shay, and Jorja, Georgia and Samantha.”

Alongside Hobbs, Brooke Somerfield is set to make her NZ senior team debut after representing New Zealand at a slew of junior teams over her career. Somerfield arrives in superb form after claiming the 2026 New Zealand 200m title and taking silver in the 100m. 

Somerfield was thrilled to confirm her spot in the team, “I’m incredibly proud to be named in my first senior major team, it’s a huge milestone in my career. I’m excited for the opportunity and looking forward to being a part of a really competitive relay squad” 

Rising talent Jorja Gibbons also earns a spot on her first senior team as the 20-year-old celebrates her birthday today with this selection. 

On the men’s side, Tiaan Whelpton, the New Zealand Residents 100m record holder, and Lex Revell-Lewis, who holds the New Zealand 400m record, give the team a combination of raw speed and international experience. Both men are in record-breaking form, with Lex recently breaking his own 400m mark, and Whelpton equalling his 10.10s best this season. Hayato Yoneto completes the men’s trio, having lined up for New Zealand previously at the Oceania Athletics Championships in 2024. 

The travelling squad adds further firepower. Georgia Hulls, who sits second on the New Zealand all-time 200m list and is a two-time world championships representative and Shay Veitch, who sits second on the New Zealand all-time long jump list. Samantha Lathwood completes the wider travelling squad as the youngest member of the team with a silver medal in the NZ 200m championships behind Somerfield to her name. 

“This is a great step forward for our sport. The fact that this initiative has been self‑driven and self‑funded speaks volumes about the commitment of the athletes and coaches involved. We’re proud to support it and excited to see what this team can achieve.” Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive, Cam Mitchell.

The team will travel to Potchefstroom, South Africa, for a pre-camp ahead of the World Athletics Relays before heading up to Gararone, Botswana, for the championships. 

The team will compete in the mixed 4x100m heats on the 2nd of May and either the B-final or the championships final on the 3rd of May, pending successful progressions. The top 12 teams, comprised of the 8 finalists and the top 4 in the B-final, will earn qualification to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. 

The Team for the 2026 World Athletics Relays
Women: 

Zoe Hobbs (Coach: James Mortimer / Matt Dallow) 
Brooke Somerfield (Coach: Gary Henley-Smith) 
Jorja Gibbons (Coach: Megan Gibbons)

Men: 

Tiaan Whelpton (Coach: Angus Ross)
Lex Revell-Lewis (Coach: Nuree Greenhalgh) 
Hayato Yoneto (Coach: Joe Hunter)

Travelling Squad Members: 

Georgia Hulls (Coach: Andrew Iselin)
Shay Veitch (Coach: Michael Beable / Angus Ross)
Samantha Lathwood (Coach: Nuree Greenhalgh) 

Management
Sonia Waddell – Team Lead
Rob Waddell – Team Management
Samantha Celliers – Team Physio 

The 2026 Championships return to Hayward Field, Eugene, for the first time since 2014. The 2014 Championships saw Eliza McCartney break onto the global stage for the first time, earning bronze in the women’s pole vault. Since the 2014 championships, Hayward Field has been completely rebuilt and in 2022, hosted the World Athletics Championships. 

The World Athletics U20 Championships is a key stepping stone to senior representation and a significant opportunity for Kiwi athletes to compete on the world stage. 

Middle-distance phenom Sam Ruthe earns selection for his first international team in the men’s 1500m. Ruthe’s enjoyed a headline-grabbing past year, culminating in breaking John Walker’s NZ mile record, running a world Under-18 best of 3:48.88 in Boston. Ruthe currently sits as the number one-ranked athlete for 2026 in the U20 men’s 1500m.

800m specialist Boh Ritchie, alongside 400m star Madeleine Waddell, return for their second world U20 Championships, having both competed at the 2024 edition in Lima, Peru. Ritchie recently made her senior debut, competing in the 800m at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. Waddell earns selection in the women’s 400m off the back of her national title-winning run in Auckland earlier this month. Waddell retained her senior national title from 2024, holding off Jordyn Blake in the closing stages of the race. Both women, coincidentally, are products of St. Peter’s, Cambridge. 

Ritchie and Waddell are both the NZ U20 record holders in their respective events, with both bringing strong experience and talent to the startline in Eugene. 

New Zealand’s strong history in throws continues, as a trio of throwers are selected in today’s initial selection announcement. Karmen Maritz will don the black singlet in the women’s shot put and discus, competing in the throws double, while on the men’s side, Austin McDougall will also double up in the men’s shot put and discus. Mania Christiansen completes the throws trio with his selection in the men’s shot put. 

George Wyllie is set to join teammate Sam Ruthe in the men’s 1500m. Wyllie will make his U20 championships debut after missing selection in 2024. Wyllie ran the qualification time for the 2024 championships in the 1500m alongside seven others and was named as reserve for the championships. 

New Zealand’s distance stocks continue to look strong, with steeplechaser Bronwyn Rees-Jones set to compete in the women’s 3000m Steeplechase. Scarlett Robb lines up in both the women’s 1500m and 3000m. Completing a talented contingent of middle-distance athletes are Joe Martin and Conall McLean, who will both contest the men’s 800m. 

Rising sprint star Kendra Scally-Tu’i completes the team in the initial selection announcement, earning her place in Eugene in the women’s 100m and 200m. 

The NZ Team for the 2026 World Athletics Championships.

Kendra Scally-Tu’i – 100m & 200m Coach: Gary Henley-Smith
Madeleine Waddell – 400m Coach: Sonia Waddell
Boh Ritchie – 800m Coach: Angela Russek
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: Craig Kirkwood
Conall McLean – 800m Coach: Hamish Meacham
Manaia Christiansen – Shot Put Coach: John Eden
Austin McDougall – Shot Put & Discus Coach: Mike Schofield

Notes:
In accordance with clause 8.4, the Selectors have named just one athlete in this initial selection announcement in events where more than two athletes who have submitted Selection Applications, with the exception of the Men’s 400m where no athletes were initially selected, allowing all eligible athletes more time to produce Performance Standards.

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.

Tom Walsh earned a seventh world indoor medal winning gold in the men’s shot put.

The 34-year-old – who also won world indoor titles in 2016, 2018 and 2025 – now owns more world indoor medals than any male athlete in history.

USA’s Jordan Geist took an early lead with his opening effort of 21.64m. He followed it with several big throws, some close to 22 metres, but they were fouls. Walsh, meanwhile, improved steadily throughout the competition, opening with 20.59m before improving to 21.21m in round two and 21.28m in round four.

The defending champion took the lead in round five with his effort of 21.66m. USA’s Roger Steen produced his best mark in the final round, consolidating his third place with 21.49m, then Geist rounded out his series with 21.38m.

With the title secured, Walsh saved his best for last and hurled his shot out to a season’s best of 21.82m.

“My whole career started in Poland with bronze at the 2014 world indoors in Sopot,” said Walsh, who also won a bronze in 2014 and 2022 and a silver in 2024 to go with his four golds.

“If you told me then that I would still be here winning medals at every edition since then I would tell you were dreaming.

“It is great to see I can still do it against the younger guys.”

Walsh, who was also crowned world outdoor champion in London in 2017, added: “My goal for today was to throw 22m and win a medal. I did not quite get to 22 but I won gold so it is pretty good.

“I was glad I was able to build things up as the competition went on. Throwing last when you know you have won sometimes saps the energy out of you but, at other times, it can give you a boost, and that happened for me today.”

Imogen Ayris added a second medal on the day for New Zealand with bronze in the women’s pole vault.

Ayris was among nine women, including Eliza McCartney to clear 4.70m – record depth for an indoor competition, and a standard only previously achieved at the 2024 Olympics.

The bar moved to 4.80m and Tina Sutej and Molly Caudery were over on their first attempts. The seven other women who remained in the contest at that height were unsuccessful in their attempts to clear it, and it meant that bronze was shared by Switzerland’s Angelica Moser, Czechia’s Amalie Svabikova and Ayris.

New Zealand indoor records were set by Tiaan Whelpton in the 60 metres, and Lex Revell-Lewis in the 400m.

Reigning world indoor champion Tom Walsh is joined by history‑maker Geordie Beamish, who recently became New Zealand’s first‑ever world champion on the track after winning the 3000m steeplechase at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Olympic medallist Eliza McCartney also returns to global indoor competition after collecting silver at the 2024 World Indoors in Glasgow. She heads to Poland in strong form, having won the New Zealand title with a 4.81m clearance, higher than the 4.80m that won her indoor silver last year.

Sprint star Zoe Hobbs is set for another tilt at the women’s 60m after an unforgettable 2024 World Indoors, where she twice broke the Oceania record and finished fourth in a blistering 7.06.

Tiaan Whelpton joins her in the 60m after another season of consistent progress, including equalling his NZ resident’s record over the 100m at the 2026 Sir Graeme Douglas International of 10.10s.

In the pole vault, Imogen Ayris completes the Kiwi duo and travels to Poland following a strong indoor campaign highlighted by a 4.76m personal best and consistent clearances at 4.70m.

Middle‑distance athlete Alison Andrews‑Paul returns for her second World Indoors in the women’s 800m. She is joined by debutants Boh Ritchie (women’s 800m), James Harding (men’s 800m), and Thomas Cowan (men’s 800m). Harding and Cowan have traded the New Zealand indoor record this season, with Harding currently holding the mark at 1:46.44, set in February in Fayetteville, AR, USA.

The 400m squad features national record holder Lex Revell‑Lewis and New Zealand indoor record holder Annalies Kalma, who further sharpened her form by lowering her indoor mark to 51.81 this season. The indoor 400m, with athletes merging to lane one after approximately 170 metres, is one of the most tactical and unpredictable events on the programme.

Thrower Tapenisa Havea rounds out the team, earning her senior championship debut in the women’s shot put. Competing for the University of Arizona, Havea previously finished fourth in the shot put and seventh in the discus at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships.

New Zealand’s depth in the women’s pole vault is underscored by Olivia McTaggart also achieving the automatic qualifying standard of 4.70m. She has been named as a non‑travelling reserve for Toruń.

New Zealand Team – 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Men
Tom Walsh Shot Put (Coach: Hayden Hall)
Geordie Beamish 3000m (Coach: Dathan Ritzenhein)
Tiaan Whelpton 60m (Coach: Angus Ross)
James Harding 800m (Coach: Jerry Schumacher)
Thomas Cowan 800m (Coach: Jon Molz)
Lex Revell‑Lewis 400m (Coach: Nuree Greenhalgh)

Women
Zoe Hobbs 60m (Coach: James Mortimer)
Eliza McCartney Pole Vault (Coach: Scott Simpson)
Imogen Ayris Pole Vault (Coach: Scott Simpson)
Alison Andrews‑Paul 800m (Coach: Brit Townsend)
Boh Ritchie 800m (Coach: Ryan Foster)
Annalies Kalma 400m (Coach: Shantel Twiggs)
Tapenisa Havea Shot Put (Coach: Lucais Mackay)

Reserve (Non‑travelling)
Olivia McTaggart Pole Vault (Coach: Kate Rooney, Scott Simpson)

Event information

Dates: 20–22 March 2026
Location: Kujawsko‑Pomorska Arena, Toruń, Poland
Event: World Athletics Indoor Championships

How to follow

New Zealand fans can watch live and free on World Athletics+ from 20–22 March (free with account registration).

Follow Athletics New Zealand on social media for results, updates, and behind‑the‑scenes coverage.

Additional Athletes
The following athletes were eligible for selection but have elected to focus on preparations for the 2026 international season: Sam Ruthe, Sam Tanner, James Preston, Hamish Kerr, Maddi Wesche, Rosa Twyford and Jacko Gill.

Athletics New Zealand invites applications from eligible athletes, (i.e. aged 16-17 as of 31 December 2026), for the 2026 YOG Long List. The 2026 YOG will have very limited quota spots, and these will be confirmed by the IOC at a later date.

Based on discussions the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) have had with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who are managing allocations, we understand that Athletics New Zealand are more likely to receive quota spots, if any, in some of the indicated events below.

Women: 400m, 1500m, Hammer Throw
Men: 110m Hurdles, 1500m, Shot Put

However, long list applications are open to all eligible athletes across all events.  

The ANZ Nomination Criteria apply to eligible athletes who wish to be considered for nomination to the NZOC for selection to the 2026 YOG. Athletes interested in being considered for nomination must complete the Application for NZOC Long List Form. We recommend reading the full criteria carefully and reaching out if you have any questions.

For any enquiries regarding the 2026 YOG and/or the nomination criteria, please contact Tessa Hunt. 

Click here to view the Athletics NZ Nomination Criteria|
Click here to view the Application for the NZOC Long List
Click here to view the NZOC Selection Policy for the 2026 YOG
Click here to view the Competition Website

Athletics New Zealand invites interested athletes to submit an expression of interest form for the 2026 Oceania Area Championships.

EOI Form: https://events.mygameday.app/event/2026oaceoi

The 2026 Oceania Area Championships (OAC) will be held in Darwin, Australia, from 18–23 May 2026 and represent an important international development opportunity for New Zealand U18, U20, Senior and Para athletes.

The Oceania Championships provide meaningful competition, exposure to a championship environment, and an important step along the pathway toward major events such as the Commonwealth Games, World U20 Championships, Youth Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games.

This email outlines the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, Athletics NZ’s approach to team selection, and the anticipated costs associated with attending.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Athletics NZ is currently seeking Expressions of Interest to understand the level of athlete demand for the 2026 OAC.

Please note:

• Anyone wishing to be considered for this team must submit an EOI before the closing date to be eligible for selection
• Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection
• Submitting an EOI does not commit an athlete financially
• EOIs are being used to assess demand and determine whether a formal selection policy is required for any events

EOIs close: Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm

Athlete-Funded Event

The 2026 OAC is an athlete-funded competition. Due to the location of the event in Darwin, overall travel and accommodation costs are higher than previous Oceania Championships.

For 2026, Athletics NZ will operate independently, rather than using centrally arranged Oceania accommodation and services. While this increases the overall trip cost, it allows us to deliver a higher-quality, fully managed team experience, including:

• Upgraded accommodation (Novotel Darwin Airport & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)
• Improved meals and athlete services
• Stronger team support, cohesion, and oversight within an Athletics NZ-managed programme

Athletics NZ Team Philosophy – 2026 OAC

Athletics NZ views the Oceania Area Championships as both a representative honour and a key performance and development opportunity across all age groups.

Where selection is required, decisions will balance:

• Athlete development and pathway progression
• Event depth and competitiveness
• The overall quality and sustainability of the team environment

Senior Athletes

Senior athletes targeting nomination and selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CGs) that have achieved the relevant CGs performance standard/s may receive priority for OAC selection (if applicable), to allow for competition opportunity prior to Glasgow.

Para Athletes

Para athletes targeting qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games, Para athletes undergoing international classification, and those with prior Paralympic Games or World Para Athletics Championships experience, may be prioritised.

U18 & U20 Development Athletes

For emerging athletes, the Oceania Championships represent an important development step. 

Selection consideration will favour athletes who are:

• Showing clear progression within the Athletics NZ pathway
• Competitive at the Oceania level
• Building toward future international opportunities, including World U20 Championships and senior or para pathways

This approach ensures the Oceania Championships support long-term athlete development, not just single-event outcomes.

Event Details

Event: 2026 Oceania Area Championships
Dates: 18–23 May 2026
Location: Darwin, Australia
Eligibility: Athletes must be 15 years or older on 31 December 2025
Entry Standards: OAC 2026 Entry Standards

Trip Options & Indicative Costs

Athletes submitting an EOI may indicate interest in one of the following options:

Option 1 – Darwin Only

Approx. $5,500, including:

• Return flights Auckland Darwin (16–24 May)
• 8 nights accommodation (Novotel/Mercure Darwin Airport Resort)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Local transport
• Management fees

All athletes will travel and stay together. Dates are fixed.

Option 2 – Gold Coast Pre-Camp + Darwin

Approx. $6,500, including:

• Pre-camp in Gold Coast (11–16 May)
• Flights:
  • Auckland → Gold Coast (11 May)
  • Gold Coast → Darwin (16 May)
  • Darwin → Auckland (24 May)
• 5 nights accommodation (Gold Coast)
• 8 nights accommodation (Darwin)
• Meals in Darwin (Gold Coast meals at athlete cost)
• Transport in both locations
• Management fees
• More information about the pre-camp can be found here

Pre-camp capacity is limited to approximately 20 athletes plus staff.
Dates are fixed.

Team Management & Support Staff

Applications for team management and support staff will open in the coming weeks.

What Happens Next

Once EOIs close, Athletics NZ will:

• Confirm whether a selection policy is required
• Advise whether selection applies to the full team or specific events only

All athletes who submit an EOI by the deadline will receive an update by Friday 6 February.

EOI Form: https://events.mygameday.app/event/2026oaceoi
EOIs close: Wednesday 28 January at 11:59pm

If you have any questions, please contact Athletics NZ at oceaniachamps@athletics.org.nz

Hamish Kerr – ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year.
Geordie Beamish – ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year.
Danielle Aitchison – ISPS Handa Para Athlete of the Year.
Lisa Adams – ISPS Handa Para Athlete of the Year.
Sam Ruthe – Sky Sport Emerging Talent Award.
James Sandilands – Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year.

The winners will be revealed on the 16th February 2026 at the 63rd ISPS Halberg Awards.