Australian Athletics has confirmed that the Australian Athletics Junior (Under Age) Championships will return to Brisbane in 2027, following the outstanding success of this year’s Championships at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).
The 2027 Championships will be held at QSAC from April 13–18, with Australia’s best emerging track and field athletes from Under 14 through to Under 20 set to compete on the iconic Brisbane track.
Australian Athletics has also confirmed that the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) will return to Brisbane in 2027.
ALAC will take place from April 11-12.
The return of the Championships is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane City Council through the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
The 2026 Championships at QSAC attracted 3,662 participants from across Australia and 9,940 spectators, delivering a significant economic benefit to Queensland while showcasing the State as a premier destination for major sporting events.
Thousands of young athletes competed at ALAC and will do so again in 2027.
It will be the first ALAC since Australian Athletics and Little Athletics Australia historically unified earlier this year, with the aim of growing the sport together.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics now less than six years away, the 2027 Championships will provide an important pathway opportunity for athletes who could ultimately represent Australia on the world stage.
The significance of the junior Championships was highlighted by the performances of several athletes following this year’s event.
High jumper Izobelle Louison Roe (NSW) went on to win a gold medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, USA this year after claiming the U20 national title in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, 800m star Daniel Williams (NSW) followed his Championship win in Brisbane by winning a silver medal in Eugene.
Their success demonstrates the vital role the Australian Athletics Junior (Underage) Championships play in identifying and developing Australia’s future international stars.
Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said the return to QSAC is a plus for athletes, families, coaches, and the sport in general.
“We are excited to announce we are returning to QSAC for the second straight year for the Australian Athletics Junior (Underage) Championships in April next year,” he said.
“This event is so important on the Australian Athletics calendar, with our future champions of the track and the field, especially leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the Australian Little Athletics Championships will also be back in Brisbane.
“Australian Athletics thanks the Queensland Government for its continued support of the sport, in what will be a great few days of athletics next year.
“These events are such an important one for our State Member Associations across Australia, and we also value their support and looking forward to coming together in April.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP said securing the event was part of the Crisafulli Government’s ambition to make Queensland Australia’s events capital.
“We want the biggest and best events choosing Queensland, because they bring thousands of athletes, families and supporters who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and spend in our local businesses,” Minister Powell said.
“Securing these championships is another opportunity to showcase Queensland to the nation and turn competitors and supporters into visitors who come back again.”
Minister for Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander MP said the championships would bring together the nation’s best young athletes and help inspire the next generation of Queensland sporting stars.
“These championships are a vital pathway for emerging athletes, giving them the chance to compete against the nation’s best and take the next step in their sporting journey,” Minister Mander said.
“With the 2032 Games fast approaching, events like this help build excitement around athletics and inspire young Queenslanders to dream big on the sporting stage.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 2026 Australian Athletics Junior Championships would showcase the city’s next generation of sporting talent while creating more to see and do across Brisbane.
“We’re thrilled to welcome thousands of young athletes, their families and supporters to Brisbane for this incredible event,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There’s something special about seeing the next generation of stars compete here in our city – especially as they look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Games.
“Multi-day events like this support local businesses and jobs, bringing visitors, energy and economic benefits to our vibrant city.”
More details about the Australian Athletics Junior Championships and the Australian Little Athletics Championships, including start lists and entries, will be revealed in coming months.
Today’s announcement adds to what will be an exciting few months of athletics events in Australia that Australian Athletics has already announced, including the Australian Athletics Championships and the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series events.
