News & Updates

New Zealand’s rising track sensation, 16-year-old Madeleine Waddell, shattered U17 and U18 national records in a stunning performance at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru

Rising star, Madeleine Waddell flew past old records to set new U17 and U18 national 400m records in semi-final at the World U20 Championships in Lima Peru. With a 53.50 performance, Waddell has timed her turn of form to perfection in Lima. After running a PB of 54.02 in the heat, she followed it up the semi-final in which she improved her best by over half a second. Waddell has had a hugely successful international debut in which she finished 14^th overall.

Coming to Lima to “run fast and enjoy the experience”, she was satisfied with her heat performance but knew she was “capable of more and that she could execute better” in the semi-finals. This mindset left her with “less nerves holding me back”  for the semi-finals. Coach Sonia offered the advice that “everyone starts from scratch in the semis.”

“As I walked off the track and saw my time, there was a bit of disbelief,” Waddell shared after her record-breaking 53.50 run. “I knew I was capable of something fast, but to achieve it at my first major championship feels incredible.”

With her parentage as multiple time NZ representative in Athletics, Rowing and Cycling – Sonia Waddell and Olympic gold medallist in the single sculls – Rob Waddell, her athletic pedigree is sound. Waddell is also coached by her mother Sonia at St Peters Cambridge School, where Sonia coaches their athletics team.

Waddell is now looking forward to having a break “before getting back into some off season training and building a bit of a base for next season.”

Madeleine Waddell will be back in action across the New Zealand domestic track and field season from December through to March 2025.