Every team has its anchors. The athletes whose experience, resilience and character steady the group when the pressure rises.
For Australia’s World Athletics Championships campaign, the mantle belongs to four leaders in race walking veteran Rhydian Cowley, sprint star Bree Rizzo, middle-distance runner Linden Hall and marathoner Sarah Klein. Different events and different paths but together they will guide the green and gold on the world stage.
Rhydian Cowley
For 13 years, Rhydian Cowley has been the quiet engine of Australian race walking. An Olympic medallist with five World Athletics Championships under his belt, the 34-year-old brings both wisdom and calm to the team stacked with youth and experience.
Part of the team leadership group for the last two Championships, Cowley’s leadership is subtle but profound, leading by example in the hours in his training and in the way he carries himself through camp and competition. Having joined a select group of Australians to make a record number of World Athletics Championships appearances, his presence is as much about legacy as it is about medals.
“Over the last couple of years, in Budapest, World Indoors and Paris, our success has really come from the team culture we’ve been able to build,” Cowley said.
“Looking ahead we want to continue that culture, especially with so many debutants in the team. Hopefully it sets us up for even more success in the future.
“For me it’s about helping to set the standards. Making sure the team is supporting each other, having fun and putting ourselves in the best position to perform at our best. And regardless of the finishing position, ensuring everyone has the best possible experience, both individually and collectively.”
Linden Hall
Few athletes capture the heart of Australian middle distance running like Linden Hall. A three-time Olympian, a world championships finalist and an athlete has clocked sub-two, sub-four and sub-15 in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m, Hall has long been a trailblazer, consistently raising the bar in one of Australian athletics’ deepest disciplines.
Her leadership comes through both her performance and her presence. Known for her calm confidence, Hall shows teammates what it takes to stay composed under pressure over an enduring career. Off the track, she is approachable and supportive, offering guidance to young athletes navigating the intensity of global competition.
“As the team has grown, the culture has actually become even stronger. There’s a real sense of support across different events, with athletes genuinely invested in each other’s performances. I think that comes with the success we’ve had—it makes people want to get behind their teammates and celebrate each other’s achievements. Being here at camp, you see the finishing touches of everyone’s preparation, and it’s special to then watch them head out on the track or field and turn that work into medals,” Hall said.
“Hopefully we can help set the tone for a strong championship by leading through my experience at multiple major events. With so many debutants in the squad, I want to show them the ropes and help ensure their first experience is a positive one. It’s about leading by example and creating the kind of environment where everyone feels supported and ready to perform.”
Bree Rizzo
If Cowley is the steady compass, Bree Rizzo is the spark. A consistent medallist at the Australian Athletics Championships and the first woman to advance to an Olympic semi-finalist since 2000, Rizzo is known for her explosiveness on the track but it’s her willingness to speak up that sets her apart as a leader
Rizzo represents a new wave of Australian sprinters unafraid to test themselves against the world’s best. Her leadership comes through her drive to create a culture of fearlessness, whether it’s part of the relay squad or when rallying teammates to embrace the moment. For younger athletes and debutants stepping into their first major championships, she is both a role model and motivator and proof that Australian sprinters belong on the world stage.
“We have such an impressive team, and as leaders, we want to see everyone really come together, support each other and perform well. It’s a great chance for me to give back and share what I’ve learned in my career, and what past leaders have passed on to me. I remember my first team in Oregon in 2022 I was new to the sport, didn’t know many people, and felt completely out of my depth. The support I got made all the difference and helped shape me into the athlete I am today,” Rizzo said.
“We want to help create a team culture where everyone feels confident and supported, the younger and debutant athletes feel welcomed, and the whole team can really bring out the best in each other – all while enjoying this special moment together and making it a memorable one.”
Sarah Klein
Marathon running demands resilience and few embody that better than Sarah Klein. A three-time representative at the World Athletics Championships and a seasoned campaigner, Klein has spent years perfecting the art of patience, persistence and grit; all qualities that make her a natural leader in championship environment.
Klein’s influence stretches well beyond the marathon start line. She understands the demands of long preparation blocks, the mental battles of championship racing and the importance of holding steady when expectations mount. For her teammates, she will be a voice of calm perspective and reminding them that success comes not just from talent but staying the course.
“What an honour it is to be a leader of this team. Athletics in Australia has never been in a stronger position with so many national record holders and a great mix of debutants and experienced athletes headed to Tokyo. I’ve been inspired by so many of my teammates over the years and throughout the season so far, its a privilege to be in this leadership role,” Klein said.
“We had a team session earlier this week in Cairns led by Kyle Vander Kuyp, we spoke about culture. I’d feel proud if we were able to build on the idea of culture and what it means to be in the Australian Athletics Team, and hopefully inspire others to carry it forward in the years to come, as I have been by former team leaders.”
By Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
Posted: 8/9/2025
