A formidable mix of world champions, Olympic medallists, and rising stars will don the green and gold at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23, as Australia unveiled a 20-strong squad ready to take on the world’s best.
Leading the charge is reigning indoor high jump champion and dual Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers, who returns to defend her title alongside Paris 2024 bronze medallist and former world champion Eleanor Patterson. The high-flying duo will reignite their international campaign against Olympic champion and world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh from the Ukraine in what promises to be a must-watch contest.
For Olyslagers, the challenge of defending a global title presents a fresh test.
“It’s exciting because it’s new territory for me. In sport, there are fewer ‘firsts’ as the years go by, so I’m looking forward to discovering how I respond and what I can take away from the experience,” Olyslagers said.
Leaning into the faith that has underpinned her career, Olyslagers has opted to launch her 2025 campaign in Nanjing, believing it will bring out her best.
“I’ve always started seasons well, and I feel ready to take on the world stage straight away. Watching Yaroslava adjust her run-up before Paris and break the world record inspired me to make changes, too. I’ve focused on building the strength needed to handle the extra speed and power in my approach. I know I’m on track when my coach Matt Horsnell starts dancing at training when he sees my numbers!”
A new wave of sprint talent will also feature, with Queensland’s national record holders Torrie Lewis and Lachlan Kennedy set for their World Athletics Indoor Championships debuts. Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull will chase her third major championships medal in the 3000m, aiming to further establish herself as a middle-distance force on the global stage.
Kennedy’s season has already sparked debate, with his world-leading 6.43 (+1.6) 60m run in Canberra stirring online controversy due to the presence of a tailwind in an event that has always otherwise been contested indoors at any significant level.
“I’ve had fun reading the comments, but I stay out of it. The 60m is still new in Australia, so people aren’t used to it yet—but we’ve had this talent for a long time,” Kennedy said.
“I think I can go even better indoors than I did outdoors. The field is wide open, and I feel like I can win a medal.”
The team also boasts pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall, edging closer to the elusive 6.00m barrier, and long jumper Liam Adcock, whose stunning 8.33m leap at the Perth Track Classic secured his place.
For the first time since 1999, Australia will compete in two rarely contested events at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Olympian Camryn Newton-Smith has earned an invite for the pentathlon, while a 4x400m relay squad featuring a mix of Olympic representatives and World U20 medallists will take to the track.
Conspicuously absent from the squad is Cameron Myers, who, despite breaking the Australian indoor mile record with a sensational 3:47 earlier this year, has opted not to contest the event. Instead he will line up as favourite for the John Landy 1500m at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne the week following the Indoor Championships, the final meet of the Australian domestic season prior to the Australian Championships in Perth in April.
Australian Athletics General Manager – High Performance, Andrew Faichney, is confident in the team’s ability to deliver in Nanjing.
“The World Athletics Indoor Championships have historically been a strong stage for Australia. Despite not having a 200m banked track in the country, we continue to prove our ability to compete with the best,” Faichney said.
“With five global medallists in this team and a strong mix of established and emerging talent, we’re excited to see what they can achieve, particularly with the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo fast approaching.”
The World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 will be broadcast live on SBS On Demand and SBS Viceland. Further details can be found HERE.
