News & Updates

A talented contingent of Kiwis has landed in Lima for 2024 World Under 20 Championships.

Known as the City of Kings – Lima, Peru is the destination for the World Under 20 Championships. Our 15 strong team are gearing up for an exciting showcase of talent as they hope to make their mark on the global stage. Leading the Kiwi charge is Ethan Olivier, a Paris 2024 Olympian and a formidable contender in the triple jump.

As the event unfolds in this historic city, athletes will experience Lima’s rich tapestry of culture and history—known for its UNESCO-listed historic centre and local delicacy’s. With Lima’s warm coastal breezes and passionate sports fans setting the stage, our team is poised for a memorable performance and a thrilling chapter in the world of track and field. New champions will be crowned in the so called City of Kings.

Ethan Olivier – Triple Jump
Fresh off the back of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, triple jumper, Ethan Olivier is returning for his second crack at the World U20 Championships. Holding the national record and Oceania U20 record of 17.01, Olivier is one of our leading hopes for a top performance in Lima. In Cali, Columbia, he finished only 10cms shy of the medals with a 16.03m leap for 4^th at the 2022 edition of the championships. His PB is more than half a metre further than his rivals have managed so far, Saudi Arabia’s Sami Bakheet having got closest with 16.49m to win at the Arab U20 Championships.

While backing up after a major comp like the Olympics would be a daunting challenge for most, Ethan Olivier is relishing the challenge. “I can’t wait to get back into competing. I’m super fortunate to be able to have a second chance at the U20 champs, so I plan to make the most of it”. While he is regarded as the hot favourite by World Athletics, Olivier is set relaxed in his approach, “I’m hoping to have a chill qualifying round, and then really go for it in the final.”

Naomi Waite – High Jump
Named as co-captain of the World U20 Championship team, high jumper, Naomi Waite is in Lima chasing a spot in the final. “It will probably take a PB, but I know I’ve got that in me, and believe I have a shot. Getting into those higher 1.80’s and eventually breaking 1.90 is the longer term goal for the next few years.”

Competing in Suva, Fiji at the Oceania Area Championships earlier in the year, Waite has used the experience to her advantage. “The Oceania Champs was a great opportunity for me to gain some international competition experience, which has definitely helped my mindset going into Lima.”

“The opportunity to jump in the black singlet means so much to me. Athletics is an individual sport, but having the support of your country is so motivating and it’s such a special feeling to compete for everyone back home. It took a lot of hard work for each of us to get here, so I’m really proud of our team and honoured to be a captain.”

“The atmosphere here is incredible, and at the end of the day I know i’ve done everything I can, so I plan on just trying to stay relaxed, back myself and enjoy the experience.”

Thomas Cowan – 800m
Thomas Cowan is one half of our men’s 800m contingent in Lima. Competing alongside James Ford, the north shore duo has had some remarkable battles this season. With Cowan clinching the national title in March, but Ford having the faster PB, it’s anyone’s guess who will prevail in Lima.

Named as co-captain alongside Naomi Waite, Cowan says he feels incredibly privileged to be named as co-captain. “We have a great squad competing and it’s going to be an exciting few days watching everyone get at it!”

“The goal for Lima is to soak it up, grow from the experience, race hard and do New Zealand proud. The experience is allowing myself to grow as an athlete which will really help me in future meets to come with the invaluable international experience.”

How to watch the World U20 Championships.

The 2024 World Athletics U20 Champs will be live and free on Inside Track.
A free account is required to access the live stream.

Schedule

Follow our kiwis over your early morning coffee. All times below are in NZT.
For the full schedule click here

28 August
3:10 AM – 100m Heats – Marielle Venida
4:00 AM – Shot Put Qualifying – Blessing Sefo
4:35 AM – Discus Qualifying Group A – Suzie Kennelly
5:05 AM – Triple Jump Qualification –  Ethan Olivier
5:10 AM – 800m Heats – James Ford
5:10 AM – 800m Heats – Thomas Cowan
6:00 AM – Discus Qualification Group B – Suzie Kennelly
6:05 AM – 800m Heat – Boh Ritchie
 
9:20 AM – Javelin Qualification Group A – Douw Botes
9:45 AM – 100m Semi-Final – Marielle Venida*
10:40 AM – Javelin Qualification Group B – Douw Botes
10:55 AM – 5000m Final – Catherine Lund
 
29 August
4:05 AM – 400m Heats Madeleine Waddell
 
9:05 AM – 1500m Heats – James McLeay
9:29 AM – Discus Final – Suzie Kennelly*
9:40 AM – 1500m Heats – Kiera Hall
9:40 AM – 1500m Heats – Boh Ritchie
10:45 AM – 400m Semi – Madeleine Waddell*
11:30 AM – 100m Final – Marielle Venida*
 
30 August
2:25 AM – 100m Hurdles Heats – Talia Van Royen
4:05 AM – High Jump Qualification – Naomi Waite
4:15 AM – 200m Heats – Marielle Venida
 
8:00 AM – 100m Hurdles – Semi Final – Talia Van Royen*
8:55 AM – 800m Semi Final – Boh Ritchie*
9:20 AM – 800m Semi Final – James Ford*
9:20 AM  -800m Semi Final – Thomas Cowan*
9:47 AM  -200m Semi Final – Marielle Venida*
10:20 AM – Triple Jump Final  – Ethan Olivier*
10:30 AM – Javelin Final – Douw Botes*
11:43 AM – 400m Final – Madeleine Waddell*
 
31 August
2:25 AM 10000m RW Final Jonah Cropp
 
9:35 AM 800m Final James Ford*
9:35 AM 800m Final Thomas Cowan*
9:50 AM 800m Final Boh Ritchie*
10:10 AM 100m Hurdles Final Talia Van Royen*
11:35 AM 200m Final Marielle Venida*
 
1 September
9:25 AM – High Jump Final – Naomi Waite*
10:00 AM – 1500m Final – Kiera Hall*
10:00 AM – 1500m Final – Boh Ritchie*
11:10 AM – 1500m Final – James Mcleay*

* Pending successful progression from previous round.