Historic Performances for Oceania Athletes at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have marked a historic milestone for Oceania athletes, with record-breaking achievements across New Zealand, Samoa, and Australia.
New Zealand delivered its greatest-ever performance at a World Championships, winning two gold medals and one bronze. George Beamish claimed the men’s 3000m steeplechase title in a thrilling finish, while Hamish Kerr soared to 2.36m to win the men’s high jump securing New Zealand’s first world titles in both track and field jumps.
In a groundbreaking achievement for the Pacific Islands, Samoa’s Alex Rose threw 66.96m to win bronze in the men’s discus. Rose’s medal is the first ever for Samoa at a World Athletics Championships, and the first medal by a male athlete from the Pacific Islands.
Australia fielded one of its largest teams of 86 athletes and secured four medals: Nicola Olyslagers won gold in the women’s high jump, while Kurt Marschall (pole vault), Jessica Hull (1500m), and Mackenzie Little (javelin) each earned bronze. Australia also celebrated nine top-eight finishes and 26 athletes placing in the top 16.
The Pacific Islands contingent also impressed, with many debutants recording personal and season’s bests. Much of this progress was supported by the pre-competition training camp in Fukuoka, hosted in partnership with the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) and the Prefecture of Fukuoka. The camp gave athletes access to elite facilities, recovery services, and technical support, ensuring they arrived in Tokyo well-prepared to perform on the world stage.
Cécile Gilroy, Vice President of Oceania Athletics Association spoke of the historic championships, “As Vice President of OAA, I am extremely proud of the performances of our Oceania athletes in Tokyo. These Championships have highlighted not only the strength and determination of our established athletes, but also the exciting potential of the next generation across our region. To see history being made for Samoa, New Zealand and Australia, among others, is a powerful reminder of how far Oceania athletics has come, and how bright the future looks.
At our own scale in Tahiti, it was also a milestone moment, with the very first participation of a French Polynesian athlete in the long jump. This achievement is a source of great pride and a strong encouragement for all our young athletes at home.
It has been inspiring to witness the passion, resilience and unity that our athletes bring to the world stage, and I look forward to what is yet to come.
Beyond the athletic performances Oceania’s referees performed on the World Stage ensuring a safe, and fair competition for all. OAA President Robin Sapong-Eugenio took time to thank the referees and technical officials” In addition to our athletes, we also recognize the outstanding contributions of our technical officials, who served with professionalism and distinction as Start Referees, Photo Finish officials, Race Walk Referees, and members of the Jury of Appeal. Their expertise and dedication ensured that Oceania was represented not only on the field of play but also in the integrity and fairness of competition.”
With Tokyo 2025 marking the start of a new Olympic cycle, Oceania’s athletes have laid a strong foundation as they look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The focus now turns to the World Para Athletics Championships in India, followed by the Oceania Cup in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
—ENDS—