LAKE CHARLES – McNeese senior distance runner Omer El-Fadl will make history on Saturday as one of only four McNeese runners in the history of the track and field program to take part in the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships that will take place in Tallahassee, the first time the championships have been run on U.S. soil in more than 30 years.
 
El-Fadl, who will represent his country of Sudan, is one of 145 men who qualified for the individual senior race which will feature some of the best cross country runners from around the world. Start time for the race will be 11:20 am CT.
 
"I found out that I was selected on December 20 and was just really happy. Nothing beats representing my country," said El-Fadl. "It felt good to see the work pay off, and right away my mindset shifted to getting ready and making the most of the opportunity.
 
"Being selected for the World XC Championships is a huge personal milestone. It's the result of years of hard work, dedication, and consistency, and it's meaningful knowing I share this achievement with my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me along the way."
 
El-Fadl ran as an unattached athlete this past cross country season and placed first in all four of the meets he competed. A six-time medalist at the Southland Conference Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships, El-Fadl has been an elite runner in the middle-distance events throughout his career.
 
Now, the training is focused more towards a world event that will feature the best runners in the world.
 
"Compared to a regular season, my training has included more volume and more specific work overall," he said. "There's been a bigger focus on building strength and endurance while still being careful with recovery so I can be ready to perform at my best.
 
"Knowing it's a major championship against a world-class field, there will definitely be excitement and nerves, but also confidence knowing that I belong there and that I've prepared for this moment.
 
"Representing McNeese and my country is a huge honor, and carrying the support of my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who helped me get here makes this experience truly special."
 
El-Fadl joins fellow McNeese runners Pat O'Callaghan, Tom McGrath, and Sita Waru as the only other runners from McNeese to run in the World Championships.