The Australian team—featuring Oliver Hoare, Linden Hall, Jack Anstey, and Olympic 1500m silver medallist Jessica Hull—stormed to victory in a commanding time of 22:23, finishing a clear three seconds ahead of surprise silver medallists France (22:26). Ethiopia claimed bronze in 22:34, while defending champions Kenya were left reeling in fourth (22:42), marking the first time they've missed the podium in this event's history.
The race kicked off with Hoare setting a strong foundation on the opening leg, before Hall exploded into the lead on the second stage, pulling away decisively after navigating the challenging "alligator alley" obstacles. Anstey held firm on the third leg despite pressure from France, handing over to Hull, who anchored with composure and power, striding home all smiles to seal the gold.
This victory upgrades Australia's bronze from the 2023 home edition in Bathurst and showcases the depth of Australian middle-distance talent. Hoare (Commonwealth champion), Hall (Olympic finalist with local ties to Florida State University), Anstey (stepping up after a late team change), and Hull (Olympic silver) combined seamlessly to outclass global powerhouses.
France's strong showing was a surprise, while Ethiopia's bronze kept them competitive. The U.S. hosts finished fifth (22:43), just behind Kenya.
This golden performance kicks off the championships in style and signals Australia's intent for the remaining races. With the mixed relay order (man-woman-man-woman) and wristband exchanges adding extra drama, the Aussies executed flawlessly on a demanding course featuring sand, water, and elevation changes.
Congratulations to the team—Australia is on top of the world!
Stay tuned for more action from Tallahassee 26, including the U20 and senior individual races. What a way to start 2026's global athletics calendar!