BMX New Zealand riders have delivered an impressive showing at the 2026 Oceania Continental Championships in Brisbane, recording 81 Top-8 finishes from a 200-strong national team.

With 1,179 riders contesting the event, New Zealand athletes accounted for approximately 17 percent of the total field, while securing nearly 20 percent of all finals placings, underlining the depth and competitiveness of the Kiwi programme across all categories.

New Zealand riders claimed multiple Oceania titles across both 20-inch and Cruiser classes, with standout performances from Hudson Hyslop (8 Boys), Jackson Ropati (11 Boys), Matatini Drollet Lecaill Hill (12 Boys), Addison Harrowfield (13 Girls), Pippa Walker (9 Girls), Sophie Penny (15 Girls), and Beth Walker (16 Girls).

The Cruiser and Masters divisions again proved a strength area for New Zealand, with additional Oceania titles secured by Micah Wallace, Selina Pfister, Toni James, Jeanette Harvey, Dion Newth and Donna Head.

At Championship level, New Zealand placed two riders into the Elite Men final, with Michael Bias finishing sixth and Bennett Greenough seventh. In the Women Elite category, Leila Walker claimed gold while Megan Williams secured silver.

Leila Walker, Megan Williams and Sienna Pal at 2026 OCC. Photo: AusCycling

Beyond the track, BMX New Zealand also contributed strongly to event delivery, with Brenton Harrison providing commentary support and officials Tony Nelson, Jo Parnham, Taiwha Nelson and Tanya Arnold assisting the commissaire panel.

BMXNZ High Performance and development pathways continue to show positive progression, with Kiwi riders featuring consistently throughout the finals programme.

Attention now turns to the 2027 Oceania Continental Championships at North Avon, Christchurch, where New Zealand will look to build on the strong foundation established in Brisbane.

Article added: Sunday 22 February 2026