Olyslagers Chases Rare Third Straight Indoor World Title

Nicola Olyslagers isn't just defending her world title. She's chasing history as one of the few athletes ever to win three straight indoor world championships in high jump.

The reigning world champion will headline Australia's squad at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, from March 20 to 22. Olyslagers already won indoor world titles in 2024 and 2025, plus captured her first outdoor world crown in Tokyo last year.

World Athletics named her the female field athlete of the year for 2025. But she's not resting on those achievements.

"Last year was good as far as the awards and trophy component go, but there is still much more to go for," Olyslagers said. "You look back on the success of last year, then 2026 ticked over, and it was like, put those trophies in the cupboard, get back to training and look ahead."

Her toughest competition might come from her own teammate. Eleanor Patterson, who won the 2022 world championship and bronze at the Paris Olympics, will push Olyslagers to bring her best.

The Australian team also features Olympic silver medalist Jessica Hull competing in the 1,500 meters. Hull will double up in the 3,000 meters alongside Linden Hall, showing the depth of Australia's distance running program.

Pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall recently made Australian history by clearing six meters. He became only the fourth Australian man ever to reach that elite height, joining Steve Hooker, Dmitri Markov, and Paul Burgess.

"A lifelong goal of mine was just to clear that elusive six-meter barrier, and finally, after attempting it around 45 times, I managed to do it," Marschall said. Despite the milestone, he knows the competition will be fierce, with six men already clearing six meters this year.

Why This Inspires

Australia's indoor team represents years of dedication paying off at the highest level. These athletes aren't just competing. they're rewriting record books and proving that with enough persistence, even lifelong goals can be reached.

Marschall's 45 attempts before finally clearing six meters shows the determination behind every success story. Olyslagers putting her trophies away to focus on the next challenge demonstrates the mindset that creates champions.

When the championships begin on March 20, Australia will field one of its strongest indoor teams ever. The mix of proven champions and history makers gives fans plenty of reasons to tune in.