Sport
25 May, 2026
Alana off to second World Championships
A YOUNG woman from Mutchilba will be on the hunt for her second gold medal at this year’s Underwater Hockey World Championships, set to be held in Turkey.
Alana Mehes will soon be representing her country for the second time at the Underwater Hockey World Championships, previously playing in the Australian Under 19 women’s team in Malaysia just two years ago where she won her very first gold medal.
“We competed against countries like Great Britain, France, Columbia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Turkey,” Mehes reminisced.
“We ended up winning the final 4-1 and it was one of the most memorable moments of my life – I had achieved my goal and won a gold medal for Australia.
“Standing there listening to our national anthem play before being awarded our medals was a moment I cannot describe. I hope I can achieve this again in Turkey.”
Mehes said she was very excited to be competing in her second World Championships, which will be held in Turkey from 16-25 July.
“I’m so excited for the Worlds. It’s such an honour to be able to represent your country and to do it in something you’re so passionate about is always so exciting,” the 19-year-old said.
“I am very hungry for another gold medal. Last competition we remained nearly undefeated and it felt like some games we didn’t have a stress about losing, but this time will be a lot harder, which I think essentially means way more fun.
“My team have our eyes set on that gold medal and we aren’t going to back down. We are prepared to put up a fight against the other teams, after all this is what we have been training so hard for, and there’s a reason why Australia’s colours are green and gold.”
The Mutchilba local, currently studying at university in Brisbane, said her dream to represent Australia in a sport began while watching the 2016 Olympic Games. With a background in field hockey and a love for water, Mehes eventually stumbled upon underwater hockey, and the rest, as they say, is history.
She is also trying to raise $10,000 to help her get to Turkey. If you’d like to donate, visit www.asf.org.au/preview/alana-mehes or bank transfer to:
Name: Tamara Setford
Account Number: 1049 3615
BSB: 063-610
