Rising Philippine Sprinter Jessica Laurance Eyes Global Stage in Poland

By: FilAmSports.com

Filipino-Australian sprinter Jessica Laurance has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026 season. The reigning Philippine national champion in the 100 meters recently qualified to compete at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, on March 20.

“My little self is screaming with so much excitement,” Laurance said. “It means the world to me. I would have never imagined that the little five-year-old girl who first stepped onto a track would one day line up against some of the world’s best sprinters.”

Competing under the Philippine flag has given Laurance even more motivation to perform. The 5-foot-2 sprinter has opened her 2026 campaign in strong fashion, winning her last three competitions.

On February 28, 2026, at the Illawarra Track Challenge, Laurance claimed first place in the women’s open 100 meters with a time of 11.49 seconds (wind +1.7 m/s). She followed that performance with another victory, winning the 60 meters in 7.20 seconds (wind +2.5 m/s).

In early March, she secured her third consecutive title at the High Velocity Campbelltown meet, once again finishing first in the 100 meters with a time of 11.52 seconds (wind +1.4 m/s).

“Having the opportunity to represent my country for a second time fills me with so much gratitude,” Laurance added. “Every time I wear the PHI flag on my chest, I attack the course knowing that I’m not only representing myself but also my family and the entire country.”

Her first international competition came at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she helped the Philippines secure a bronze medal in the women’s 4x100-meter relay. Running the lead leg, Laurance teamed up with Lianne Pama, Zion Corrales-Nelson, and the legendary Kristina Knott. The quartet set a new Philippine national record with a time of 43.97 seconds. Corrales-Nelson will also join Laurance in Poland to compete in the 60-meter event.

With her first international competition now behind her, Laurance heads to Poland with a new perspective on competing at this level. Looking back on her experience at the Southeast Asian Games, she said one of the most important lessons she learned was to believe in and trust herself.

“Going into Poland, I need to remind myself to trust the work that has been put in and stay confident, no matter what,” she said. She continues to benefit from a strong support system, particularly the guidance of President Terry Capistrano and Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).  

One of Jessica’s major goals for the season is to secure an individual qualification spot for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. “Watching KK (Kristina Knott) and having the privilege of competing alongside Zion was incredibly inspiring,” Laurance said. “Seeing them compete made me even hungrier to achieve the goals I’ve written down. Hopefully, the three of us will all be able to qualify and compete at the Asian Games this year.”