Record Team Heads To 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships

NZ Sends Record Team to 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships

New Zealand will field its largest ever team at the Oceania Athletics Championships, with 147 athletes set to compete in Darwin from 18–23 May.

The record contingent spans senior, Para, and under-18 athletes, reflecting the growing depth across New Zealand athletics ahead of major international campaigns, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and World U20 Championships in 2026.

The senior team is headlined by Olympic and World Championships finalist Jacko Gill, sprint star Zoe Hobbs, and javelin national record holder Tori Moorby. Recent World Athletics Relays representatives Brooke Somerfield, Hayato Yoneto, and Tiaan Whelpton add further sprint depth, while reigning World Under-20 triple jump champion Ethan Olivier continues his transition to senior competition.

New Zealand's 22-strong Para contingent, led by world champions Danielle Aitchison and Lisa Adams alongside global medallist Holly Robinson, is among the strongest the country has assembled at this level. Aitchison recently broke her own 100m T36 World Record in Sydney, and will be looking to lower that mark in Darwin.

A strong contingent of developing under-18s will also line up in Darwin, many representing New Zealand internationally for the first time.

Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the record team was a reflection of the sport’s increasing growth and development

"The Oceania Athletics Championships give our developing athletes the opportunity for meaningful international experience, competing against top regional talent and alongside some of New Zealand's most established performers," Mitchell said.

The 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships kick off at Arafura Stadium, Darwin on Monday morning, 18 May.

Live results are available here - https://us.list-manage.com/3eGhzjBmOpG?e=004d7a4b7e&c2id=166d97f11cd06bf4bc2947dca803a21f
View the full NZ Team entered here - https://athletics.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b93354635c62de6b765f669a4&id=6e4b2fa318&e=004d7a4b7e

Broadcast details are still awaiting confirmation.

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