Australia is gearing up for a historic presence at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, as a formidable team of 67 athletes prepares to represent the nation in Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27.

The team’s aspirations are underpinned by reigning world champions who have been entrusted with leading Australia’s ambitions. Kelsey-Lee Barber, who etched her name in Australian athletics history as the first woman to successfully defend a javelin world title, is looking to achieve an unprecedented three-peat. In Oregon, Barber secured gold with a remarkable throw of 66.91m, showcasing her reputation as a clutch performer who excels under pressure.

Joining Barber in the ranks is Eleanor Patterson, the high jump world champion who triumphed even after recovering from a foot injury. Patterson’s dedication and perseverance are evident as she returns to the world stage after another short build-up due to foot surgery, determined to replicate her 2022 success.

Australia’s hopes also rest on the shoulders of Nicola Olyslagers, the world leader in high jump, and Nina Kennedy, the pole vaulter who clinched a World Championships bronze medal. With a record of clearing heights and securing wins, Olyslagers and Kennedy aim to soar to new heights and claim victory in their respective events.

A group of fourteen Australian athletes will compete in events where they hold national records, further bolstering the team’s potential. Among them is Ash Moloney, an Olympic bronze medallist, who will lead a contingent of three in the Decathlon. Jessica Hull, a six-time Australian record holder, will participate in both the 5000m and 1500m races.

The team also boasts young talents, including 18-year-old Torrie Lewis, who will make her Senior team debut after impressing with a sprint double at the Australian Athletics Championships. Athletics Australia General Manager, High Performance Andrew Faichney, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to build upon past successes and make a resounding impact at the upcoming championships.

As the Australian team converges at the Athletics Australia staging camp in Montpellier, France, their collective focus is set on the impending challenges and opportunities that the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest hold. With a remarkable depth and breadth of talent, the team is poised to showcase their prowess on the world stage and set the stage for the upcoming Olympic Games.

The Australian Team for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, Budapest, Hungary:

Men (30)

  • 100m: Rohan Browning (Andrew Murphy, NSW), Jake Doran (Paul Di Bella, QLD)
  • 200m: Aidan Murphy (Dylan Hicks, SA)
  • 800m: Peter Bol (Justin Rinaldi, VIC), Joseph Deng (Justin Rinaldi, QLD), Riley McGown (Des Proctor, ACT)
  • 1500m: Stewart McSweyn (Nic Bideau, TAS), Adam Spencer (Mick Byrne, VIC), Matthew Ramsden (Nic Bideau, WA)
  • 5000m: McSweyn, Morgan McDonald (Dathan Ritzenhein, NSW)
  • 110m Hurdles: Jacob McCorry (Alex Stewart, NSW), Nicholas Andrews (Tim O’Neill, NSW)
  • 3000m Steeplechase: Matthew Clarke (Adam Didyk, SA)
  • High Jump: Joel Baden (Sandro Bissetto, VIC), Brandon Starc (Alex Stewart, NSW)
  • Pole Vault: Kurtis Marschall (Paul Burgess, WA)
  • Long Jump: Chris Mitrevski (John Boas, VIC), Darcy Roper (John Boas, VIC), Liam Adcock (Gary Bourne, QLD), Henry Frayne (Gary Bourne, QLD)
  • Triple Jump: Julian Konle (Andrew Murphy, QLD), Aiden Hinson (Chloe Stevens, VIC)
  • Discus Throw: Matthew Denny (Dale Stevenson, QLD)
  • Javelin Throw: Cameron McEntyre (Angus McEntyre, NSW)
  • Decathlon: Ash Moloney (Steve Rippon, QLD), Cedric Dubler (Chris Gaviglio, QLD), Daniel Golubovic (Paul Pearce, QLD)
  • 20km Race Walk: Declan Tingay (Brent Vallance, WA), Kyle Swan (Jared Tallent, VIC), Rhydian Cowley (Brent Vallance, VIC)
  • 35km Race Walk: Cowley

Women (37)

  • 100m: Bree Masters (Ryan Hoffman, QLD), Torrie Lewis (Andrew Iselin, QLD)
  • 200m: Ella Connolly (Andrew Murphy, QLD)
  • 800m: Catriona Bisset (Ned Brophy-Williams, VIC), Abbey Caldwell (Gavin Burren, VIC), Ellie Sanford (Terri Cater, VIC)
  • 1500m: Jessica Hull (self coached, NSW), Linden Hall (Ned Brophy-Williams, VIC), Caldwell
  • 5000m: Hull, Rose Davies (Scott Westcott, NSW), Lauren Ryan (Lara Rogers, VIC)
  • Marathon: Lisa Weightman (Dick Telford, VIC), Isobel Batt-Doyle (Nic Bideau, SA), Sarah Klein (Peter Schuwalow, VIC)
  • 100m Hurdles: Michelle Jenneke (Gary Bourne, QLD), Celeste Mucci (Darren Clark, VIC), Hannah Jones (Sally Pearson, QLD)
  • 400m Hurdles: Sarah Carli (Melissa Smith, NSW)
  • 3000m Steeplechase: Amy Cashin (Sean Cleary, VIC), Cara Feain-Ryan (Ben Norton, QLD), Brielle Erbacher (Jody Erbacher, QLD)
  • 4x100m Relay: Masters, Lewis, Connolly, Mucci, Kristie Edwards (David Reid, QLD), Ebony Lane (Matt Carter, VIC)
  • High Jump: Nicola Olyslagers (Matt Horsnell, NSW), Eleanor Patterson (Alex Stewart, NSW), Erin Shaw (Alex Stewart, NSW)
  • Pole Vault: Nina Kennedy (Paul Burgess, WA)
  • Long Jump: Brooke Buschkuehl (Russell Stratton, VIC), Samantha Dale (Andrew Murphy, NSW)
  • Discus Throw: Taryn Gollshewsky (QLD, Les Kuorikoski)
  • Hammer Throw: Stephanie Ratcliffe (Matthew Horneman, VIC)
  • Javelin Throw: Kelsey-Lee Barber (Mike Barber, QLD), Mackenzie Little (Angus McEntyre, NSW), Kathryn Mitchell (Uwe Hohn, VIC)
  • 20km Race Walk: Jemima Montag (Brent Vallance, VIC), Rebecca Henderson (Simon Baker, VIC), Olivia Sandery (Jared Tallent, SA)
  • 35km Race Walk: Henderson, Allanah Pitcher (Frank Overton, NSW)

Read the full article here.

Photo Courtesy SBS Australia

Courtesy Athletics Australia