Australian middle-distance runner Cameron Myers has withdrawn from the mixed relay team for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, citing unforeseen medical reasons. The 19-year-old announced his decision on Sunday, stating he would instead focus on a return to competition in late January.
Myers, who secured his spot by winning the selection trials in Canberra in November, will be replaced by 28-year-old Jack Anstey. Anstey joins Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Oliver Hoare, and veteran Linden Hall in the mixed 4x2km relay.
The exact nature of Myers' medical issues remains unclear, though in August he was hospitalised after passing out during a run, which he attributed to dehydration and poor nutrition. Myers holds multiple records over 1500m and the mile, and has drawn comparisons to Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen after becoming the second-youngest sub-four-minute miler at age 16.
Australia's mixed relay team won bronze at the last world cross country event in Bathurst in 2023. A total of 28 athletes will represent Australia in Tallahassee, including Leanne Pompeani at her fourth world cross country championships and Ky Robinson, who finished fourth in the men's 10km at this year's worlds in Tokyo.
