Alice Hill

Six months ago, Alice Hill was not on the radar of selection for the World U20 Championships, but after a good run in December 2025 at the Australian All Schools Championships (400m PB 55.17), she finally put her name forward as a contender during a competition in the NSW country town of Dubbo with a breakthrough 400m time of 54.32. She then set two more PB on the way to winning the Australian U20 title with another PB time of 53.34.

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Alice started doing athletics aged 6.

“I can’t remember a time in my life where I haven’t run,”

“As she grew up) I was just training two days a week for fun, and making State, but never progressing into the state finals or to nationals.”

But Alice always had ambition to achieve in the sport.

“Ever since I was little, it was my dream to compete for NSW at nationals. I used to run cross country in primary school, and in year 4 I missed out on qualifying for nationals by one second in cross country. I was devastated, but more determined than ever to run at a national championship. Six years later, in year 10, I finally qualified for my first nationals (2025 In Perth)  in the 400m U17 girls. I qualified for the finals as the slowest qualifier, and came last out of lane one in the finals running a time of 58.16.”

A turning point in Alice’s career was in the winter of 2025 when she changed her approach to athletics.

“I began to take the sport more seriously. A little bit over a year ago I moved to a more elite training squad, and began training more seriously in an environment where everyone is motivated, and genuinely loves the sport.

“In late 2025, around November, my coach told me about WU20 champs. He told me there was a slight possibility I might be able to make a relay team, and ever since I found out about the championships, I was determined to qualify.

“I trained harder than ever, and loved having something to work towards.”

After a terrific 2025/26 summer it would all go on the line at the Australian Junior Championships.

“I arrived at Nationals (April) 2026 in Brisbane, with one goal: to qualify for World U20 Championships. I ended up placing first in the national final running U20s (I was still 16 at the time), qualifying me as an individual athlete to the World U20 Championships. It was a surreal moment crossing the finish line that I will remember forever. My finish time was 53.34 seconds: nearly five seconds faster than the previous year.”

Hailing from Newcastle in NSW, she trains alongside Commonwealth Games team member Jemma Pollard.

How did you begin your sport: I started athletics at 6 years old, because I was fast and genuinely just loved to run. From there I started training for fun one day a week at the local park…Most influential person in your career: my coach Tim Eschebach. I am so grateful for the care, and dedication he shows towards his athletes, never making me feel pressured, and ensuring I am always supported. I am so grateful for all the time he has put into training me, and am proud to call him my coach…Advice you give to your young self: I would advise my younger self to keep trying, and to not give up when dreams seem impossible, because you never know what lies ahead, and what your future self could achieve…Hobbies: I love reading, listening to music, hanging out with my friends, and watching Netflix…Education: Year 11…Other sports: I played hockey for 8 years, but stopped because I wanted to focus on my running…Biggest challenge you’ve faced: Probably balancing school with running and a social life. It can be hard to manage, without feeling constantly overwhelmed, but it’s worth it every time I see the results pay off…Interesting family facts: When I was younger I always looked up to my grandma ran for Robin Hill, as she won multiple open national titles and qualified for the 1962 Commonwealth Games, but unfortunately she got injured before so she couldn’t compete. Sadly, she passed away at the end of last year, but I know she would be so excited for me to run at Eugene.

@ 5 July 2026 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au