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Larry Eder
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On Athletics Club Oceania Expands Roster with Five Powerhouse Signings
Olympic finalists and national record holders join the Melbourne-based hub as the latest members of the OAC Oceania Team.
Melbourne, Australia, April 7, 2026 – Swiss sportswear brand On is today announcing the addition of five exceptional athletes to the On Athletics Club (OAC) Oceania Roster: Stewart McSweyn (AUS), Sam Tanner (NZL), Sarah Tait (GBR), Toby Gillen (AUS), and Alex Stitt (AUS). This milestone marks the largest expansion for OAC Oceania since its founding in 2023, bringing the team’s total roster to 13 world-class members.
Head Coach Craig Mottram spoke on the additions to the team: “Welcoming these five athletes marks a transformative milestone for OAC Oceania. In Stewart McSweyn and Sam Tanner, we add world-class experience and tactical brilliance to our middle-distance core. Combined with the record-breaking steeplechase talent of Sarah Tait and the elite NCAA pedigree of Toby Gillen and Alex Stitt, we have built a roster with the depth to challenge the best in the world. This group possesses an unrelenting desire to succeed, and I look forward to guiding them as they represent the On colors on the global stage.”
Meet the New Members
Stewart McSweyn: Fulfilling a Childhood Dream
Stewart McSweyn, OAC Oceania, photo by On
A titan of Australian distance running, 30-year-old Stewart McSweyn has been a fixture on the world stage for years. His journey began at age 12 through school sports, where he fell in love with the autonomy of the track. “I just loved that with running, you controlled your training and you got to decide the result,” says McSweyn. Having achieved his dream of representing Australia at the Olympic Games, the multi-time national record holder joins OAC Oceania with his sights set on even greater milestones.
Sam Tanner: The “Kiwi” Miler with a Need for Speed
Sam Tanner, OAC Oceania, photo by On
A two-time Olympian and one of New Zealand’s premier 1500m talents, Sam Tanner is a sub-3:50 miler known for his signature mustache and tactical prowess. Tanner’s path wasn’t linear; after being disqualified at a small local meet at age 12, he left athletics to focus on surfing. He returned at 17, driven by a renewed Olympic ambition. “I stay grounded through my faith and love for family and the ocean,” says Tanner, who now looks to add to his multiple national titles and records under the OAC banner.
Sarah Tait: Scotland’s Steeplechase Record Holder
Sarah Tait, OAC Oceania, photo by On
Hailing from Scotland, Sarah Tait joins the team following a standout collegiate career at West Virginia University, where she earned two-time All-American honors. A specialist in the steeplechase, Tait currently holds the Scottish national record and recently represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Tokyo. “I am delighted to be joining On and the OAC Oceania team as the next step in my professional career,” says Tait.
Toby Gillen: From the NCAA to the Pro Ranks
Toby Gillen, OAC Oceania, photo by On
Toby Gillen describes himself as a “product of college running,” having moved from Australia to the U.S. in 2022 to compete for St. Louis University and later the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). A three-time consecutive NCAA 5000m finalist, Gillen transitions to the professional circuit with OAC Oceania, having checked off nearly all his collegiate goals. His focus now shifts to making his mark on the senior international stage.
Alex Stitt: A Rising Middle-Distance Force
Alex Stitt, OAC Oceania, photo by On
Rounding out the new additions is Alex Stitt, a fellow NCAA standout from Oklahoma State University. Stitt has rapidly emerged as one of Australia’s most promising 1500m runners, recently clocking a blistering personal best of 3:35.71. His arrival adds deep tactical versatility to the OAC Oceania middle-distance core as they prepare for the upcoming championship season.
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