VICTORIA, B.C. – Athletics Canada has announced that University of Victoria Vikes cross country and track head coach Hilary Stellingwerff has been named to Team Canada's coaching staff for the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, where she will serve as the team's endurance coach.

The championships will take place Aug. 5-9 at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., with 38 of Canada's top under-20 athletes set to compete against the world's best young track and field talent.

A two-time Olympian, 10-time Canadian national team member, and one of Canada's most accomplished middle-distance runners, Stellingwerff will oversee Canada's endurance athletes as they gain valuable international championship experience on one of the sport's biggest stages.

"I am most looking forward to the opportunity of continuing to work with Canada's best up-and-coming athletes, as well as sharing my own experience as an athlete at global championships," said Stellingwerff.

"These early championships are a great way for athletes to learn how to compete under pressure, in a new environment, often in a foreign country, against the world's best athletes at their age. Practicing call rooms, race tactics and recovery protocols — all of these things will set them up to be able to compete at a high level in the future."

Stellingwerff is no stranger to representing Canada internationally. In addition to her decorated athletic career, she has previously served on Team Canada coaching staffs at major international events, including the Pan American Games and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.

Her appointment follows an exceptional 2025-26 season at the helm of the Vikes program. Entering her sixth season as UVic's cross country and track head coach, Stellingwerff guided both the men's and women's teams to Canada West championships while leading the Vikes women to the U SPORTS cross country national title.

For her efforts, Stellingwerff was named Canada West and U SPORTS Coach of the Year, while also earning Sport BC Female Coach of the Year honours.

At the World Athletics U20 Championships, Canada's athletes will look to create their own moments of "Hayward Magic" at the renowned Hayward Field venue, often referred to as the cathedral of track and field. The championship runs Aug. 5-9 and will feature the world's top emerging track and field athletes competing for international honours.

For Stellingwerff, the opportunity represents another chance to help develop Canada's future stars on the global stage.