'We weren't afraid': Jessica Hull leads Australia to upset win at World Cross Country Championships
Australia have produced an upset victory at the World Cross Country Championships, defeating some of distance running's powerhouse nations.
Led by Jessica Hull, the 4x2km mixed relay team claimed a gold medal ahead of Ethiopia, Kenya and the United States on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Hull anchored the team home after Oliver Hoare first put the Aussies in contention on the first leg before Linden Hall and Jack Anstey continued the momentum.
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Australia finished the event in 22 minutes and 23 seconds, which was 11 seconds faster than second-placed Ethiopia and 19 seconds quicker than third-placed Kenya.
"We're all pretty proud of that one," Hull said post-race.
Jessica Hull with her Australian teammates. Andrew LeMay
"There's been a belief that we can not just medal, but we can probably win it, and we all carried that into today because we weren't afraid to try and run to win.
"From the moment that Olli popped up from the mud pit just a few steps behind Reynold Cheruiyot, I just thought we are so on. Linden had a blinder, she was so measured and calculated, and Jack held his own off 10 days' notice – I'm really proud of him."
Hoare said the team was full of belief leading into the race in Tallahassee, Florida.
"With the amount of talent we have had in the past 10 years, we have always wanted to show that in a team setting - hpefully this shows we have great development and culture, the NSW-based runner said.
"To beat those decorated teams with incredible athletes was a great experience."
