Oceania Athletics Championships – Team Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has named a small but proud team to represent the green and white at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, with athletes competing across both the Open and Under 18 divisions.
Leading the senior team is experienced hammer thrower Taleyah Jones, a regular at Oceania-level competition and Norfolk Island’s national record holder in the women’s hammer throw. Jones returns to the championships after claiming bronze at the 2025 Oceania Cup in Tonga and will look to better her mark of 44.54m in Darwin.
Athletics runs deep in the Jones family, with Taleyah following in the footsteps of her father, Norfolk Island Athletics President Brentt Jones, who also represented Norfolk Island internationally in the hammer throw.
Joining her is emerging sprint talent Kingston Menzies, one of Norfolk Island’s brightest junior prospects. Menzies claimed the prestigious Norfolk Island 100m Gift in 2025, continuing a family tradition in a race won by members of his family over the years.
The rising sprinter will contest the Under 18 100m and 200m in Darwin as he closes in on Norfolk Island’s national records.
“Competing at Oceania in Darwin for me is showcasing how far belief and dedication can get you,” Menzies said.
“While representing Norfolk Island with my best efforts, I’m also excited to meet other athletes and gain valuable experience from competing at this level.”
Adding to the occasion is a special piece of history uncovered in the archives, with a photo showing both athletes’ parents preparing to compete for Norfolk Island at the 2000 Oceania Athletics Championships in Adelaide.
The 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships will provide another proud chapter in Norfolk Island’s athletics story as the next generation takes to the stage.
Follow Athletics Norfolk Island and Oceania Athletics across social media and online for updates throughout the championships.
ENDS