By: Hope Hensley 
August 3, 2026 

SANTA BARBARA, Cali. – Incoming Westmont Track & Field student-athlete Hazel Wilson added another milestone to her young career this summer. Representing Guam at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia. Where she earned multiple medals, set a national record, and helped showcase the growth of track and field in her home country.

Selected by the Guam Track and Field Association, Wilson had the opportunity to compete alongside athletes from across Oceania while also being honored as one of Guam's flag bearers during the opening ceremony.

"It's such an honor," Wilson said. "Just because we're a small island in Guam doesn't mean we can't do big things."

Competing from May 18-23, Wilson participated in the senior and U20 100-meter hurdles, U20 400-meter hurdles, U20 200-meter dash, and the senior mixed 4x400 relay. Throughout the championship, she earned multiple podium finishes, including a silver medal in the U20 100-meter hurdles, a bronze medal in the U20 400-meter hurdles, and a silver medal with Guam's mixed 4x400 relay team, which also set a new national record.

Wilson also reached the senior 100-meter hurdles final and broke her own Guam national record in the event three times during the competition, finishing with a record time of 15.59.

"It was definitely a crazy feeling," Wilson said. "When I broke it the first time, I was a little bit in shock, but then I realized it is possible for me to break it again because I felt like I still had some more in the tank."

For Wilson, the experience represented more than just personal accomplishments. Coming from Guam, she hopes her success can inspire younger athletes and bring more attention and resources to the sport.

"People from Guam, just because we're a small island, doesn't mean we can't do big things," Wilson said. "I wanted to show the younger generation that things are possible."

That message has become even more meaningful as Guam continues to recover from recent challenges, including two major typhoons that impacted resources and training opportunities for athletes.

"Right now, I don't have a track to train on," Wilson said. "I just wanted to bring more eyes to the sport on Guam, so maybe we could get more resources and things like that."

While Wilson's individual performances stood out throughout the championship, one of her favorite moments came from being part of Guam's mixed 4x400 relay team.

"The one I enjoyed making the most was the mixed 4x4 because there were more people involved and it was just such a team thing," Wilson said. "Team spirit is a little hard to get in track because it's such an individual sport, but the pride of representing Guam and getting that national record was unforgettable."

Wilson also gained valuable perspective from competing against athletes from across Oceania, learning the importance of focusing on her own growth rather than comparing herself to others.

"The biggest thing I learned is that comparing yourself doesn't help," Wilson said. "You either leave with pride or you leave with self-doubt. Focus on yourself, focus on your own growth."

That mindset and international experience are qualities Westmont head coach Russell Smelley believes will help Wilson as she begins her collegiate career.

"She came and visited, and she was very earnestly wanting to learn," Smelley said. "She doesn't have a lot of help with hurdles, so when she came in, she really fit in well. She probably worked harder than everybody in the group the day she was here."

Smelley was also impressed by Wilson's enthusiasm and willingness to grow as an athlete, student, and person.

"Her openness for learning and being enthusiastic about what she was doing as an athlete, as a Christian, as a student, was really impressive," Smelley said.

Wilson's journey to Westmont is also unique. She first learned about the college after her father and younger sister met Westmont students during a dive trip in the Galapagos Islands.

"It's definitely a God thing for sure," Wilson said.

After visiting campus and spending time with the track & field team, Wilson knew Westmont was the right fit.

"I'm excited to be surrounded by Christ and athletes," Wilson said. "Being within a Christ-centered environment while also being an athlete is going to be phenomenal."

As Wilson prepares to join the Warriors, Smelley believes her international experience provides a strong foundation for her future.

"Experience is a big help," Smelley said. "Going away, especially from a little island like Guam, to a bigger place just expands their confidence and understanding of the sport."

For Wilson, the opportunity to represent both Guam and Westmont is about encouraging others to believe bigger.

"I think it's important to show people from Guam that there are other options," Wilson said. "You don't have to put limitations on your hopes and dreams. Anything is possible."

 

2026 Oceania Athletics Championships Highlights

• Guam Flag Bearer – Opening Ceremony

• Silver – U20 100m Hurdles

• Bronze – U20 400m Hurdles

• Silver – Senior Mixed 4x400 Relay (Guam National Record)

• Senior 100m Hurdles Finalist

• Guam National Record – 100m Hurdles (15.59)