The Oceania Cup is a senior athletics competition hosted by the Oceania Athletics Association, bringing together top athletes from across the Pacific to represent regional teams and compete for the Oceania Cup trophy. The Cup serves as a development tour for Under 23 athletes who have not previously represented at World, Commonwealth or Olympic level and gives athletes a taste of international competition.
The 2025 edition of the Oceania Cup was held in Nuku‘alofa, Tonga, from 29th October to 1st November. Twenty Australian athletes under the age of 23 earned their place on the national team for this international event and Will Dyball was proud to be among them!
Will contested the 800m against a field of seven athletes. He was in elite company, with the Oceania Area Record for the event standing at 1:44.00, set by Australia’s Peter Bol in June 2022.
The race was tightly contested, in hot and windy conditions, with New Zealander Jag Willers taking the win in 1:53.09 and Will finishing a close second in 1:54.12.
Third place went to Stephen Rahuasi from Melanesia (1:56.05), followed by Sione Taufe‘ulungaki of Tonga (2:02.00), Michael Joshua Price from Hawaii (2:02.99), Rynier Di Ramos representing Micronesia (2:03.71), and Felice Covillon from Polynesia (2:06.18).
Just four hours after completing the 800m, Will backed up impressively to run in the 4x400m relay, clocking a three-second 400m personal best on his leg and helping Australia claim victory in the event.
Australia’s commanding relay performances; winning both the Mixed 4x100m and Mixed 4x400m (each worth double points), played a key role in securing the overall Oceania Cup title with 231 points, ahead of Melanesia (183 points) and Polynesia (173.50 points).
While the Oceania Cup featured a smaller field than most Australian meets, it provided valuable international experience and the opportunity to proudly compete in the green and gold. Will’s selection and performances reflect his consistent hard work, dedication and commitment to middle-distance running. He continues to be an excellent ambassador for Nowra Athletics Club.
Congratulations, Will!