Canberra's world-record holding runner Cameron Myers was forced to watch from the sidelines as his Australian teammates clinched cross-country gold in Florida, sidelined by an unforeseen medical issue.
The Blackouts That Sparked Concern
The 19-year-old middle-distance star, who holds the under-20 1500-metre world record, was meant to be a key part of Australia's mixed 4x2km relay team at the World Cross Country Championships on Sunday. However, he withdrew in late December after suffering his second blackout following a race.
The first incident occurred in Poland in August, with a second episode happening after a 5000m race in Sydney just before Christmas. These events prompted Athletics Australia to cite an "unforeseen medical reason" for his withdrawal from the team.
Myers' coach, Dick Telford, expressed the team's anxiety. "He had a bit of a blackout over in Poland and a bit of a recurrence the other week in Sydney and it was just a bit of a worry," Telford told The Canberra Times.
All Clear from AIS Experts
Following extensive testing, medical staff at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) have given Myers the green light to resume competition. He has been cleared by cardiologists and neurologists, with the episodes attributed to severe dehydration and heat.
"We think it was to do with severe dehydration and heat, which he got in Sydney and he got over in Poland," Telford confirmed.
Myers will now fly out to the United States on Monday to begin a crucial block of racing on the prestigious indoor circuit, his health concerns apparently resolved.
Golden Ambitions for a Big Year Ahead
Despite Myers' absence, the Australian team of Jessica Hull, Ollie Hoare, Linden Hall, and Jack Anstey secured victory in Florida by a three-second margin. Fellow Canberran Leanne Pompeani also impressed, finishing 15th in the women's race.
Myers' focus now shifts to a packed 2026 schedule. His US trip includes three major races, headlined by the Wanamaker Mile in New York where he will face world-class competition. "He'd be trying to break his PB there and have a look at what he can run for the mile," said Telford.
The year only gets bigger from there:
- World Indoor Championships in March (returning to Poland)
- Defending his national 1500m title in Sydney in April
- Chasing gold in the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July
Telford left no doubt about the goal for Glasgow. "He'd be aiming to get the gold medal, I can tell you that right now," he stated. "He wants to knock off the big guns over there." The coach highlighted the challenge, noting the presence of Scottish runners who are former world champions, predicting a "very, very hot competition."
With the medical scare behind him, the Canberra prodigy is cleared to pursue his golden ambitions on the global stage.
