The pathway is unfolding for Australia’s premier school-aged athletes with Australian Athletics announcing Perth as the host city of the 2026 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships, following Melbourne being confirmed for the 2025 instalment earlier this month.
Returning to the scene of a historic 2025 Australian Athletics Championships which saw the WA Athletics Stadium stake its claim as one of the fastest tracks in the country, the next generation of Australian stars will make their mark in Perth as the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games heats up.
“The Australian Athletics Championships in Perth earlier this year were a huge success and to combine that level of excitement with the talent that exists in our junior ranks will undoubtedly make for a memorable Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in 2026,” Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said.
“The majority of athletes competing will be in their early 20’s come the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, which will give athletics fans in Perth the first look at some of the stars of tomorrow, with the championships boasting a rich history of unveiling household names.”
A celebration of the nation’s emerging talents and a significant milestone in the career of any budding athlete, the Chemist Warehouse Australian All School Athletics Championships have served as a launchpad for the sport’s biggest names, including Catherine Freeman, Nina Kennedy, Steve Hooker and Sally Pearson.
WA Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, said he was thrilled to have Perth act as the national stage for the 2026 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships following the success of both the 2025 Perth Track Classic and Australian Athletics Championships, which were both hosted in Western Australia.
“After a number of world and national records were set at athletics events in Perth this year, we’re really excited to be hosting another key contest on the athletics calendar and seeing what Australia’s next generation of budding athletes can achieve,” said Minister Whitby.
“The WA Government is proud to be supporting the 2026 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships, which will bring thousands of athletes and their supporters to our state during the beautiful summer period, where they can enjoy Perth’s 19 gorgeous metro beaches and laid-back hospitality venues.”
The 2026 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships will take place at the WA Athletics Stadium in Perth from December 4-6, with the Australian Schools Challenge to take place on December 7.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 18/6/2025
