Oceania Athletics Championships bring more than 800 athletes from over 20 Oceania nations to Darwin for a week of sporting events.Held at Arafura Stadium, the Championships come after a huge weekend of AFL and BASSINTHEGRASS.The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to position the Territory as the best place for sport and major events.
The race to crown Oceania's top elite athletes began today, as over 800 athletes from across the region took to Arafura Stadium for the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships.
Athletes representing 20 Oceania Member Federations will compete across six days from 18 to 23 May in the region's premier athletics event, featuring Paralympians, Olympians, and international medallists.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Championships were another big win for the Territory's visitor economy and growing reputation as the best place for sport and major events.
"This is yet another big boost for the Territory's profile and our visitor economy, on the back of an enormous weekend with the footy and BASSINTHEGRASS," Minister Boothby said.
"We have more than 800 athletes, along with their supporters and loved ones, here in the Top End, filling our hotels, tour operators, cafes and restaurants.
"They're also coming face-to-face with crocs, parks and our one-of-a-kind Territory experiences - I've seen the photos! That's the kind of marketing that money can't buy."
"It's also about inspiring Territory athletes. You cannot be what you cannot see, and that is why events like this are so important."
"Our government is partnering with NT Athletics to help deliver this event in Darwin because we are serious about growing the visitor economy and elevating our brand."
A press call was held in Darwin ahead of the Championships, with Minister Boothby joined by World Athletics President, the Rt Hon Lord Sebastian Coe CH, Oceania Athletics Executive Director, Yvonne Mullins, and Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls.
Lord Sebastian Coe said it was a good time to be celebrating athletics in Oceania.
"Any opportunity to be in Oceania as President of World Athletics always gives me a great pleasure," Lord Coe said. "I'm delighted that I am here in Darwin."
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls said that Darwin was the perfect stage for the event.
"This time of the year Darwin is the envy of the nation and the perfect stage for the Oceania Athletics Championships. By bringing this international competition to our doorstep, we are providing a unique opportunity to inspire young Territorian athletes."
"This event further reinforces the Territory's reputation for hosting world class tournaments at our high-quality sporting precincts."
"I know that Territorians will also join me in cheering on Ramingining local, Briseis Brittain as she represents Australia on the track this week."
Australian track and field sprinter, Aidan Murphy said the Championships were an important part of his preparation towards the Commonwealth Games.
"This championship here in Darwin is really important for me personally," Murphy said. "It's going to get some rounds that I might not get before the Commonwealth Games, so I'm just learning how to deal with multiple rounds in multiple days."
Fans can watch all the action live and free each day from 2pm ACST on World Athletics+ and the World Athletics YouTube channel from 18 to 22 May at www.youtube.com/worldathletics.
