A stunning personal best run has propelled Illawarra's teenage track sensation Maiya Hewitt to the brink of a world championship debut.
Surprise Performance Smashes Qualifying Mark
The 16-year-old from Athletics Wollongong delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Campbelltown high velocity meet on December 20, 2025. Competing against open-age athletes, Hewitt clocked a massive 400m personal best of 54.86 seconds.
This remarkable time not only placed her fifth in a field of around 30 runners but also comfortably eclipsed the under-20 world championships qualifying standard of 55.2 seconds. Her previous best stood at 55.4 seconds.
"I wasn't planning to do that, I wasn't planning on a personal best or anything," a surprised Hewitt admitted. "I was just trying to get a good run in."
A New Race Plan Unlocks Potential
The key to her breakthrough was a deliberate change in tactics. Instead of her usual aggressive start, Hewitt and her father-coach devised a plan to conserve energy early.
"I just stayed more relaxed down the back straight instead of grinding it out, then I tried to come home a bit harder than I usually would," she explained. "I discussed it with my dad beforehand that I wouldn't go out as hard as usual."
The strategy worked to perfection. So focused was she on execution that Hewitt didn't immediately know her time. "The clock didn't stop," she said. "My dad told me when the time came up, and I was pretty surprised by it."
Dual Qualification for Oregon 2026
This 400m flat race marks the second event in which Hewitt has achieved the world championship qualifying standard. She had already hit the mark for her preferred event, the 400m hurdles.
"I'm pretty set on doing hurdles," Hewitt confirmed. "That's definitely my aim, but it helps to have a 400 flat qualifier."
The road to the world championships in Oregon in August 2026 now requires Hewitt to place either first or second at a national championships. Her immediate focus turns to the ACT championships in January and the Perth track classic in February, building towards the crucial 2026 season.
For the Wollongong prodigy, a dream that once seemed distant is now firmly within reach, powered by a surprise run that announced her arrival on the world stage.
