South Africa's Rising Stars Ready for World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon

South Africa's next generation of track and field talent is set to take on the world's best at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, which will be held at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon (USA) from 5–9 August. More than 1,800 athletes from over 140 countries are expected to compete, making this one of the biggest editions of the championships.

📸 CGA

Athletics South Africa has selected a talented squad featuring sprinters, middle-distance runners, hurdlers, jumpers, throwers and relay teams, with many athletes entering the championships after impressive performances on the domestic circuit and at the African U18/U20 Championships.

Women's Team

100m / 4x100m Relay: Rumé Burger, Faith Konde

200m / 4x100m Relay: Sarah Reed, Rumé Burger

400m / 4x400m Relay: Davida Strong, Christi Loggenberg

800m: Carise van Rooyen, Lara Stander

1500m: Andrea Steynberg, Lara Stander

100m Hurdles: Tumi Ramokgopa, Megan Nieman

400m Hurdles: Tumi Ramokgopa, Megan Nieman

High Jump: Michaela Spocter

Pole Vault: Ansumé de Beer

Long Jump: Oluchi Ndubueze, Ashlynn Norman

Shot Put: Johanne Lamprecht, Fortune Cleutus-Okolo

Discus Throw: Mila Ueckermann, Christé Loedolff

Javelin Throw: Stephane Hook, Marine Grobler

4x100m Relay: Zoé Cilliers, Chrystabel Davis

4x400m Relay: Isabella Gunter, Tumi Ramokgopa, Megan Nieman, Zanté van der Merwe

Men's Team

100m / 4x100m Relay: Marko Ferreira, Mukona Manavhela

200m / 4x100m Relay: Mukona Manavhela

400m / 4x400m Relay: Leendert Koekemoer, Kryn Romijn

800m: Werner Gouws, Emil Els

1500m: Tiisetso Malungane, Bertus van der Linde

5000m: Njabulo Hlatshwayo

3000m Steeplechase: Siyabonga Mbeleki

110m Hurdles: Jayden Parkin, Phenyo Miyen

400m Hurdles: Matodzi Ndou, Lesibe Dikgale

High Jump: Matao le Roux, Kenneth Pooko

Long Jump: Levi Fick, Tshiamo Motsamai

Shot Put: Dewald Bezuidenhout, Jaco van Dyk

Discus Throw: Joshua Gerber

Javelin Throw: Jan-Hendrik Heymans

Decathlon: Daniel van der Heymans

4x100m Relay: Zattu Hlongwane, Marlon Kayster

4x400m Relay: Abelines Schoeman, Ryno Riekert

The championships provide South Africa's young athletes with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against the world's finest junior competitors while gaining experience on the global stage. Several members of the squad have already demonstrated exceptional potential this season and will be looking to convert that form into podium finishes in Eugene.

With a balanced team across track and field disciplines, South Africa will aim to make a strong impression as its future stars chase personal bests, national pride and world championship medals on one of athletics' biggest stages.