Wildschutt, Xaba headline SA team for World Athletics Cross Country Champs

Olympic distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt and national champion Glenrose Xaba will lead the SA men's and women's senior teams at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships to be held in Tallahassee, Florida, on 10 January 2026.

Wildschutt, who finished 10th in the men's 10 000m race at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last month, will spearhead the six-member squad in the men's 10km race at the biennial showpiece.

He will be joined by in-form SA cross country champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, as well as Bennet Seloyi (who won the recent ASA Cross Country Trials in Tshwane), Sanele Masondo, Chris Mhlanga and Musawenkosi Mnisi.

In the women's 10km race, SA 10km record holder Xaba will line up alongside training partner Karabo Mailula (the winner of the ASA trials), Cacisile Sosibo, Kyla Jacobs, marathon runner Cian Oldknow and Zanele Maisa.

In the senior 4x2km mixed relay, South Africa will be represented by Karabo More, Carina Viljoen, Luan Munnik and Christopher Swart.

The junior men's 8km contest will include Anele Matsoso, Tshepang Tshivhula, Beautin van der Westhuizen, Olerato Mosiloane, Benkosi Maqwara and Junior Noah. The junior women's 6km event consists of Ithuteng Khiba, Lara Stander, Lara van der Merwe, Andrea Steynberg, Omaatla Dikao and Leandri Pretorius.

"We are happy to announce the final team for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships. This team represents the best of South African athletics during selection. We are confident that they will give it their best on the international stage.

"As we prepare for this prestigious event, I want to encourage all South Africans to come together and support our team. Let's show our athletes that we believe in them and are behind them every step of the way. I have no doubt that they will put up a strong fight and make our country proud," said James Moloi, the president of Athletics South Africa.