Cover image by Steve Christo, courtesy of Athletics Australia
Stewart McSweyn and Abbey Caldwell recorded convincing victories in the trials for the mixed 4x2km relay at the World Cross Country Championships.
The duo are expected to be joined by Ollie Hoare, who bypassed the trial and will contest the Wanamaker Mile indoors in New York a week prior to Bathurst, and Australian 1500m record holder, Jessica Hull, who was second to Caldwell.
McSweyn was absolutely dominant in the men’s race, running from the front and covering the carpet-like course in 5 minutes, 10 seconds for a six second victory from Callum Davies and Jude Thomas.
“This was a different type of race. 2 kilometres sounds short but there were a few hills in that second half and it made it tough but it was a nice hit out before Bathurst,” McSweyn said.
“The mixed relay is going to be exciting. Anytime you get to wear the Aussie guernsey is a huge privilege and everyone runs 110% when you wear the green and gold. We want to beat all of the countries entered and bring it home if we can.” 
It was a closer contest throughout the women’s race until the final 400 metres, when Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Caldwell pulled away from Hull, crossing the line in 5 minutes 48 seconds for a seven second margin of victory.
“It’s pretty exciting. I came in here not knowing what was going to happen. It’s the deepest field of distance runners I’ve seen in Women’s for a long time and it was really nice to be a part of,” Caldwell said.
“It was a huge privilege to cross the line first. It was an awesome experience and I am looking forward to jumping on the Mixed Relay team and seeing what we can do together.”
World Cross Country Trial Photo Gallery
Photo
Over 350 photos courtesy of Fred Etter.
Free download when you subscribe to our mailing list.
-
McSweyn and Caldwell spearhead World Cross Country medal hopes
Stewart McSweyn and Abbey Caldwell recorded convincing victories in the trials for the mixed 4x2km relay at the World Cross Country Championships.
-
Rayner runs onto third world cross country team
It was no surpise that Australian 10000m record holder Jack Rayner took victory at the Australian world cross country trial, but not before a courageous front running effort from Matt Ramsden.
-
Davies avenges Zatopek defeat with victory at Stromlo
Hometown hero Leanne Pompeani was the nominal favourite for the women’s selection trial for the World Cross Country Championshipsafter victory at last month’s Zatopek:10, but it was Rose Davies, who took victory.
-
Bunnage and Janetski winners of junior races
Tim O’Shaughnessy coached junior distance runners Amy Bunnage and Logan Janetzki scored the most convicing victories of the Australian Trials for the World Cross Country Championships.
Latest Posts:
- Australian Athletics Unites
Australian athletics has entered a new era, with Little Athletics Australia set to formally join forces with Australian Athletics in a move that brings an end to more than 60 years of structural separation within the sport. Following a series of meetings across both organisations, including a delayed Little Athletics Australia Annual General Meeting, in… Read more: Australian Athletics Unites - O’Donnell surges to Zatopek victory
Seth O’Donnell didn’t just win Zatopek:10 — he claimed it. On a grey, drizzling Melbourne night at Lakeside Stadium, O’Donnell delivered the kind of performance that turns elite athletes into cult heroes: bold from the gun, unflinching under pressure, and forged through pain that few onlookers could fully see. From the first lap of the men’s 10,000m,… Read more: O’Donnell surges to Zatopek victory - Meet Australia’s newest World Record holder… Isaac Beacroft
Race walking rarely demands the spotlight. So it was fitting, in a way, that on a quiet Thursday night at the Sydney Olympic Park Warm-Up Track — away from grandstands and television cameras — history was rewritten, as teenager Isaac Beacroft marched his way into the record books with a World U20 record. Photos by… Read more: Meet Australia’s newest World Record holder… Isaac Beacroft - Jessica Stenson sets Australian Marathon record with 2:21:24 at Valencia
Australia has a new national marathon queen.On a cool, calm morning in Spain, Jessica Stenson delivered one of the greatest road-running performances in Australian history, smashing Sinead Diver’s national record to run 2:21:24 and become the fastest Australian woman ever over 42.195km. The Commonwealth Games champion, coached by Adam Didyk, finished fifth overall in the… Read more: Jessica Stenson sets Australian Marathon record with 2:21:24 at Valencia - Australian All Schools 2025: A Pictorial Celebration
The Australian All Schools Championships are a celebration of everything that makes our sport special — the talent, the heart, the courage, and the moments in between. From breakthrough performances to hard-learned lessons, from soaring jumps to ambitious race plans, this meet captures the full spectrum of junior athletics. It’s not just about the champions… Read more: Australian All Schools 2025: A Pictorial Celebration
