The Australian women’s 4x400m relay team has made history by winning the country’s first medal in the event since 1999 at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. The team, composed of Ellie Beer, Ella Connolly, Bella Pasquali, and Jemma Pollard, clinched a bronze medal, underscoring an impressive campaign for Australia, which achieved a total of seven medals at the championship.
This historic achievement not only highlights the team’s talent but also reflects a long-awaited success in a category that last saw Australia secure a podium finish 26 years ago, when a team led by athletics legend Cathy Freeman took silver. The final relay saw the USA take gold and Poland silver, with Australia finishing only six-tenths behind.
Beer expressed her excitement over the experience, stating, “I didn’t really know what to expect going out there… I just had an amazing time. What an incredible experience to share my first global medal with these girls.” The competition took place on a banked 200m track, which posed a different challenge compared to outdoor tracks.
In addition to the relay team’s success, Liam Adcock emerged as a notable global medallist in long jump. After struggling with injuries and considering retirement last November, the 28-year-old achieved a stunning bronze with a jump of 8.28m, exceeding his previous personal best of 8.15m. Adcock shared his disbelief at winning a medal, reflecting on his journey back to form and expressing his joy in performing at his peak.
The championships also saw Georgia Griffith set a new Australian indoor record for the 1500m, finishing fourth with a time of 4:00.80. The event was thrilling, as Griffith dethroned previous record-holder Jessica Hull, who had held the title for just over a year.
This championship has been a significant milestone for Australia’s athletics, showcasing emerging talents like sprinter Lachlan Kennedy and distance runners Jessica Hull and Ky Robinson, alongside accomplished high jumpers Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson. The success in Nanjing reinforces the strength and potential of Australian athletics on the global stage, making a compelling statement for future competitions.