Australia has delivered its most successful World Athletics Indoor Championships performance in history, returning from Nanjing with seven medals—including a golden one-two in the women’s high jump—and rewriting the narrative for Aussie athletics on the global stage.
From the moment Lachlan Kennedy stormed to silver in the men’s 60m on the first day, it was clear the Aussies came to compete. But few could have predicted what would follow: a record medal haul, standout performances across the board, and the emergence of a new golden era for Australian athletics. All for a nation that doesn’t have a single indoor venue.
High Jump History: Olyslagers and Patterson Fly to Gold and Silver
In one of the most thrilling finals of the meet, Olympic medallists Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson etched their names deeper into the sport’s folklore, claiming gold and silver in the women’s high jump with identical clearances of 1.97m.
Olyslagers, the defending indoor champion, clinched the title on countback after clearing all heights on her first attempt. The result marked the first time in history that Australia has claimed both gold and silver in a field event at a global championships.
“When Eleanor cleared 1.97m, it reminded me of the Australian Championships in Adelaide last year—we bring the best out of each other,” said Olyslagers, who now owns back-to-back indoor world titles. “To win gold and silver with a teammate, in an Olympic year, on the world stage—it’s the dream.”
Patterson, adding a fifth global medal to her collection, was equally reflective.
“I’ve changed my run-up completely, so to perform like this, I’m proud,” she said. “Two metres is within reach this year—I feel ready.”
In defeating Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who had to settle for bronze, the Aussie duo confirmed their status as the best high jump pairing in the world.
Bronze Breakthroughs: Adcock and 4x400m Women Light Up the Final Day
If the high jump wasn’t enough, the final day of competition kept delivering.
Liam Adcock soared to bronze in the men’s long jump with 8.28m—just two centimetres shy of gold—in what was not only his first global medal, but also his first ever indoor competition.
“I thought I could win it, but to stand on the podium and see the Australian flag—it’s a moment I’ll never forget,” said Adcock, who contemplated retirement just six months ago.
Moments later, the women’s 4x400m relay team—Ellie Beer, Ella Connolly, Bella Pasquali and Jemma Pollard—produced one of the most inspired performances of the meet, storming to bronze in 3:32.65. It was Australia’s first relay medal at a World Indoors in 26 years.
“Our first indoor championship, first time on a banked track—it was nerve-wracking, but so special,” said Beer.
“To come away with a medal is something we’ll never forget.”
Middle Distance Momentum: Hull, Robinson, Griffith Star
Earlier in the Championships, distance duo Jessica Hull and Ky Robinson both secured hard-fought bronze medals in the 3000m—Hull leading from the front in a bold race, and Robinson using textbook tactics to earn his first global medal.
“My goals are high now,” said Hull.
“Fourth in Glasgow, third here—I’m already thinking about Poland next year.”
Robinson echoed the sentiment: “I didn’t want to live with regrets—I wanted to give the gold a crack. Bronze tastes pretty good, though.”
Adding to the middle-distance success, Georgia Griffith finished fourth in the 1500m final, setting a new Australian indoor record of 4:00.80 in the process.
Sprint Sensation: Kennedy’s Silver Sparks the Medal Rush
The tone was set on the first day when 21-year-old Lachlan Kennedy became the first Australian to win a medal in the men’s 60m, clocking 6.50 to take silver by just 0.01 seconds.
“It’s only the beginning,” Kennedy said.
“I’ve got more in me—sub-10 in the 100m is the next goal.”
Kennedy’s electrifying runs lit the fuse for the rest of the team, providing belief and momentum that echoed throughout the green and gold camp.
Medal Table and the Bigger Picture
With seven medals—1 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze— from a team of just 20 athletes Australia not only eclipsed its previous best of four (Toronto 1993) but also finished second on the overall medal table behind only the USA. On the gold medal table, Australia placed sixth.
This result reflects more than just podiums — it marks a cultural shift, one where Australia is no longer a surprise on the global stage, but a regular force across disciplines.
“The Olympics was great. Indoors is great. We’re really going places as a sport,” said Olyslagers post-competition.
