Khushnoor Rangi has often shared podium finishes with her twin sister during junior athletics events. This August she will compete alone on the global stage.
The Melbourne pole vaulter earned a spot on Australia’s team for the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships after claiming the national under-20 women’s title with a clearance of 4.06 metres. Three weeks earlier she set a personal best of 4.17 metres, confirming her rapid improvement. Over three years she has ranked among the country’s top two under-20 vaulters.
The championships will be held from 5 to 9 August 2026 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Rangi joins a record Australian squad of 75 athletes, the largest junior team the country has sent to the event.
Rangi, 16, trains at Maribyrnong Sports Academy with her twin sister Sukhnoor Kaur Rangi, also a top junior vaulter. The sisters were born to Indian parents and have frequently finished first and second in state and national junior competitions. At one stage both ranked in the global top two for their age group.
Pole vault requires athletes to use a flexible pole to clear a high bar after a sprint approach, demanding speed, strength and precise timing.
Local officials praised the selection, noting the pride it brings to the Maribyrnong community and the academy’s role in developing young talent.
Rangi’s achievement adds to recent successes by other Indian-origin athletes representing Australia. For the family it highlights opportunities available within one generation of migration.
She has already met the 4.05-metre qualifying standard twice this season.
