Australia strikes gold in mixed relay at World Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26

Australia delivered a superb team performance to claim gold in the mixed relay at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, with Olli Hoare, Linden Hall, Jack Anstey and Jessica Hull combining for victory in 22:23. The Australians improved on their bronze from Bathurst 2023, finishing three seconds clear of France (22:26), while Ethiopia secured bronze in 22:34. Defending champions Kenya were forced to settle for fourth place.

Uganda’s Silas Chemutai set the early pace on the opening leg, reaching the first kilometre in 2:33, just ahead of USA’s Ethan Strand, Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot and Australia’s Hoare, as the field remained tightly packed.

On the second leg, Kenya’s Winfred Mbithe, a two-time medallist in the event, briefly moved her team back into the lead. However, Linden Hall soon asserted control, pushing Australia to the front and opening a growing advantage. Hall reached the halfway point with a six-second cushion before Sarah Madeleine moved France into contention, while Karabo More’s strong 6:02 split lifted South Africa into third.

France mounted a serious challenge on the third leg as Antoine Senard reeled in Australia’s Jack Anstey, reducing the gap to just one second at 5km (13:50 to 13:51). Senard edged into the lead and held it to the changeover, but Anstey limited the damage, handing over to Olympic 1500m silver medallist Jessica Hull just two seconds behind.

Hull quickly closed down Agathe Guillemot and then edged clear, building a narrow advantage in the closing stages. Behind them, Hirut Meshesha moved Ethiopia into third ahead of Kenya. Hull held her nerve over the final metres to secure gold for Australia in 22:23, three seconds clear of France, with Ethiopia completing the podium.

Reflecting on the win, Hoare said: “We came away with a bronze medal in Bathurst three years ago. We had an amazing team then, and this time we came with more experience and the belief that we could do better. We’re all former NCAA athletes, and I’m really happy to be part of history.”

Mixed Relay Results:

• SEE FULL RESULTS HERE