Hull’s silver ends World Athletics Indoor Championships in style

Olympic middle-distance runners Jessica Hull and Adam Spencer have lifted Australia’s medal tally to five at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, as Peter Bol set a new national record on the final day in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland.

While her rivals were well rested between Friday’s heats and Sunday’s final, Hull, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder, ensured her recovery included 3000m bronze on Saturday, showing no signs of fatigue when winning silver in the 1500m.

Becoming the first Australian woman to break the four-minute barrier indoors when reclaiming her national record, Hull’s time of 3:59.45 could only be bettered by Georgia Hunter Bell (GBR) who won gold in 3:58.53 – the pair reeling in early leader Birke Haylom (ETH).

“I think we might see a few more people try the double now!” Hull said. “I really enjoyed doing both, it takes the pressure off everything being emphasised on one race which at this time of year with a long year of racing ahead is really nice.”

The silver is Hull’s seventh global medal, still chasing that elusive maiden individual gold.

“We train for championships. I’m proud of the consistency, it’s a direct product of the work we do every day,” Hull said. “I know the sessions Dad [and coach, Simon] builds out are also with medals in mind at the end of the day, and I think that strengthens everything we do on the track.

“It’s all designed to stand on the startline ready for anything at the championships.”

Teammate Adam Spencer (VIC) joined the podium party earlier in the night when roaring to his first global medal, winning 1500m bronze in a time of 3:40.26 to surprise his rivals.

Spencer stuck firmly to the rails throughout the tactical contest which saw his international competitors trade blows, executing his race plan and reaping the rewards of the shortest line and conserved energy. 

“The plan was to stay on the rails, which is a bit risky. I just stuck to it and was super patient, and when the gap opened up, I just sent it!” Spencer said.

“Hopefully I make more finals and win more medals. There will be more opportunities and I just need to make the most of them.”

Adding to the middle-distance frenzy, Peter Bol (WA) set a new Australian 800m Short Track record when clocking 1:45.14 to finish in fourth place and contend strongly for a medal, while Hayley Kitching (NSWIS) rounded out her dream debut with fifth place in a time of 2:00.50.

Long Jumper Liam Adcock (QLD) will head home with 11th place and a 7.92m leap to his name, while Michelle Jenneke (NSW) returned to finish in sixth place of her 60m hurdles semi-final in 8.02-seconds.

Featuring 674 athletes from 118 countries, the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships were held in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland from March 20-22.

Australian Medallists at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Silver – Jessica Hull (1500m – 3:59.45), Nicola Olyslagers (High Jump – 1.99m)
Bronze – Jessica Hull (3000m – 8:58.18), Kurtis Marschall (Pole Vault – 6.00m), Adam Spencer (1500m – 3:40.26)

Australian Athletics

Photos: Australian Athletics/Ben Levy