Warren’s Holly Campbell has earned a spot on the 2026 World Cross Country team representing Australia.

Holly who spent a lot of time running around her parent’s property as a kid, has reaped the rewards with a second-place finish at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships Selection Trials at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra.

Her hard work and dedication has earned her a spot on the team to compete in next year’s World Event in the Open Women’s 10km event in the USA.

With only a 36-second time difference from first to second place, well-known distance runner Leanne Pompeani took out first place in the event with Holly hot on her heels.

Clocking a time of 34.17, Holly is no stranger to the gruelling event, having run it several times before, and says she really wanted to do well this year.

Holly Campbell of Warren will be a part of the coveted Australian Team for the 2026 event [Image Athletics Australia]

“I was very happy with my result at the World Cross Country Trial,” said Holly.

“I’d had my eyes on making the team for a while and was relieved to gain automatic selection rather than waiting to be picked at the discretion of the selectors.

“My race results haven’t been fantastic this year and I’ve been working hard to try and turn things around by making a few changes to my training.

“I had a small injury pop up in the two weeks before the race which was a little challenging but helped me to learn the power of a bit of positive thinking and being able to adapt the plan."

Holly said she is excited to make the team and really looking forward to the event next year.

Hard work and dedication paying off for Holly Campbell [Image Athletics Australia]

Supporters from her local athletics club, her hometown of Warren and Athletics Australia took to social media with messages of congratulations.

“I’m super proud to make the team and looking forward to representing Australia in the States in January.

“I’m proud to look back and think about how far I have come since I was a little kid running around the farm and am so grateful for the opportunities that running has given me,” Holly said.