Media Academy showcases rising talent at World U20 Championships in Oregon

The World Athletics Media Academy in Oregon (© Getty Images)

The World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26 took the World Athletics Media Academy to another level as local university students put their studies into practice to lead on event coverage.

No matter how well equipped a student is in the classroom, success in the field depends on real, hands-on skills. That hands-on experience is exactly what the Media Academy provided in Eugene as 14 members of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication worked across editorial, photography and videography – the first time the academy had driven World Athletics website coverage to such an extent.

Led by Head of Media Operations Zacharias Vailakis and Media Operations Senior Manager Martina Kučerová, the World Athletics Media Academy is an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of sports media professionals across journalism, photography and TV commentary. By addressing critical gaps in talent, diversity and expertise, the academy aims to ensure a strong future for athletics storytelling. Oregon hosted the third World Athletics Media Academy of 2026, following those held during the World Relays in Botswana and the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Rome.

Forming part of the University of Oregon summer course led by professor Kelli Matthews, the World Athletics Media Academy in Oregon began with four days of classroom sessions before five action-packed days covering the competition at Hayward Field.

The editorial team was led by senior website editor Jessica Whittington and consisted of seven students who all had their work published to a global audience. This team produced the majority of the championships coverage – from previews and reports to features and news. The students also assisted the flash quotes team and undertook a series of interviews.

The photography team was coached by Denis Paquin, a former photojournalist and veteran of 22 Olympic Games. These students captured the championships through the lenses of Sony’s brand-new, top-of-the-line equipment, provided and overseen by Sony’s representative Noritaka Yoneyama.

“I felt so lucky to use Sony’s gear,” said photographer Zara Linneman. “Seeing my photos posted on the World Athletics website was such a sweet moment.”

The videography team was led by Digital Creative Manager Christel Saneh and Digital Content Manager Anne-Gaëlle Sy. They were tasked with capturing the stories the crowd couldn't see. Using Sony’s equipment, they shot and edited compilations, behind-the-scenes footage and hype videos. They also provided video coverage of events happening outside the competition, such as Athletes Connect and the coach symposium.

Members of the Media Academy with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (© World Athletics Media Academy Denis Paquin)

Although each student was assigned to a specific team, every member was encouraged to widen their experience and explore the various opportunities on offer. World Athletics staff took a positive approach, helping students find what fit them and supporting them in pursuing it.

“The World Athletics staff opened the doors for us, and we all chose to walk through them,” said photographer Loyal Acree.

Because the coverage opportunities were so flexible, students learned an important lesson in self-advocacy.

"My favourite part was the connections we all made,” said writer Ash Wherly. “I don't think I would have been as outgoing if I wasn't so comfortable with my World Athletics friends.”

The students also had the chance to test their interview skills during a 45-minute Q&A with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

“The World Athletics U20 Championships has always been about discovery – finding the athletes who will define our sport for the next decade,” said Coe. “With the Media Academy we extend that same philosophy to the people who tell the athletes’ stories.

“The World Athletics Media Academy gave a new generation of journalists and photographers the chance to build relationships with these young athletes right from the start of their careers, learning together as both grow into the spotlight. There is no better place to plant those seeds than a World U20 Championships. We are grateful to the local organising committee and the University of Oregon, as well as Sony, our official partner, who went above and beyond – shipping in their latest imaging technology, sending their own support staff, and providing an established mentor. That kind of investment in the next generation of storytellers is exactly the partnership our sport needs.”

Sony Corporation Head of Imaging Entertainment Business Unit and Head of Lens Technology & System Business Unit Masanori Kishi said: “We are proud to provide Sony’s imaging technology to the next generation of sports journalists. Through our partnership with World Athletics at the World U20 Championships in Oregon, we had the opportunity to not only supply cutting-edge imaging equipment but also provide hands-on support onsite. By putting Sony’s latest gear into the hands of talented students alongside experienced mentors like Denis Paquin, we believe we are making a meaningful contribution to the future of sports storytelling. This kind of collaboration – where technology meets mentorship – is exactly what's needed to build the next generation of great sports media professionals, and we are honoured to be a part of it.”

The World Athletics Media Academy will return to the global stage for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China – ready to mentor and guide the next generation of great sports journalists.

Colin Ernst for the World Athletics Media Academy

Writers: Owen Bogert, Colin Ernst, Sofiah Gravley, Morgan Hoopes, Nicole Montello, Sandra Vasquez-Ramirez, Ash Wehrly Photographers: Loyal Acree, Benjamin Fox, Zara Linneman, Lenny Patram Jr Videographers: Jack Anctil, Joshua Ludvigson, MCayden Marlar