From the tropical heat of Cairns to the precision of Juntendo University’s world-class facilities, the Australian Athletics Team for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships has completed its final preparations and now turns its attention to the world stage.
The record 86-strong squad, Australia’s largest ever for a global campaign, used the dual staging camps to sharpen both body and mind, with Cairns providing an environment to refocus after the Northern Hemisphere season, before a seamless transition into Japanese conditions at Juntendo.
Australian Athletics General Manager – High Performance Andrew Faichney said the two locations offered the perfect balance ahead of competition.
“These camps have given us everything we needed,” Faichney said.
“Cairns was the ideal launchpad to consolidate training and a familiar location to many athletes, with our team having stayed there prior to the Tokyo Olympics, while Juntendo has provided facilities on par with what we will see again in Tokyo.
“More than that, these weeks have built unity and that connection is something we know makes a difference when it comes to major championships.”
Speaking about the team and their preparations, Faichney said he’s been impressed with what he has so far seen stating:
“With our largest team yet for a World Athletics Championships, we are not only in great shape for Tokyo but continuing to build a foundation of success as we head towards LA 2028 and of course, Brisbane 2032.”
Team Leader and three-time Olympian Linden Hall said the athletes are all feeling the momentum.
“There’s a lot of new faces this year, so it’s been nice to get to know some of the faces and get to know some of the athletes that we’ve been hearing about throughout this year,” Hall said.
“Camp is always the best opportunity to come together and be reminded of our shared goal on the world stage and get people into the zone. We’ve got a few advantages coming from Australia, with the same time zone, and for those that have come from overseas, we’re so used to the long haul travel, so I think this team is very ready for what’s ahead.”
Australia arrive in Tokyo off the back of its best Olympic campaign in nearly 70 years, with a mix of Olympic and world champions, global finalists and debutants, and there is confidence this team can again rise to the occasion.
“Since we were last in Tokyo in 2021, our team has shown what Australian athletics is capable of. Now, as we arrive here again, Tokyo is our chance to take that even further,” Faichney said.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships take place from September 13-21, and Australian viewers can watch it live and free on SBS and the Nine Network.
By Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
Posted: 11/9/2025
