Making of Champions

Nigeria 4x400m women`s team after their relay final at the 2026 World U20 Championship Eugene, USA

South Africa 4x400m team reacts after their relay final at the 2026 World U20 Championship Eugene, USA

“One thing I learned from this championship is that you can do more than you think is possible. I came into the final tired, but I knew I was a fighter, and once I hit the home straight, I just kept pushing. Today, I fought for everything.”

Tumi Ramokgopa after battling through a demanding championship schedule to win World U20 silver in the 400m hurdles for South Africa.

Matodzi Ndou leaves Eugene with a World U20 bronze medal and a lot to build on. The South African clocked 49.90s in the 400m hurdles final, finishing behind Michal Rada and Taiju Goto after another strong championship performance.

Ndou reflected on the race, the small technical details that made the difference, and what this medal means for his next step toward the senior stage.

Shanoya Douglas finished her championship in style, anchoring Jamaica to World U20 4x100m gold in 42.89s, the fastest U20 time in the world this year.

Alongside Sashana Johnson, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge and Natrece East, Douglas helped deliver another big sprinting moment for Jamaica after an already impressive individual campaign in Eugene.

Great Britain’s U20 men reflect on a brilliant 38.90s Area U20 Record that earned them silver in Eugene.

Divine Iheme, Jake Odey-Jordan, Ethan Franklin and James Arminio put together a strong final, finishing behind a record-breaking USA quartet and leaving the championships with a global medal and a performance to build on.