WMA Gallery of Champions Celebrates its 2026 Inductees in Daegu
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Medal Plaza, Daegu Stadium
Margit Jungmann
President, World Masters Athletics
Two years after the World Masters Athletics Gallery of Champions was launched at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, WMA celebrated the induction of its newest members during the 2026 Championships in Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Created as part of WMA’s continuing commitment to provide greater recognition and value to masters athletes, the Gallery celebrates individuals whose impact reaches beyond outstanding performances in competition. Its inductees are champions in sport and in their communities—people whose achievements, leadership and commitment reflect the values and possibilities of masters athletics.
At the heart of the Gallery are their stories. They are stories of excellence and longevity, but also of resilience, leadership, service and lives enriched through sport. By bringing these stories together and sharing them with a global audience, WMA provides its inductees with a lasting platform for recognition while enabling them to inspire athletes and communities around the world.
The 2026 induction in Daegu marked the next chapter in that vision, bringing together WMA President Margit Jungmann, members of the WMA Council, previous inductees and the newest members of the Gallery to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
During the ceremony, President Jungmann presented each inductee in attendance with a specially designed Gallery of Champions medal in recognition of their induction and the achievements and contributions that earned them this distinction.
Speaking on behalf of the 2026 inductees, Joe Appiah MBE reflected on what the recognition represents—not only for those being honoured, but for masters athletes around the world who use their experience and achievements to make a difference in the lives of others.
“To be nominated and selected for this WMA award is an honour. This recognition validates our dedication to making an impact in society and our communities, and through volunteerism, improving the lives of others. It celebrates purpose and the drive to create meaningful social change, while maintaining consistent elite-level athletics excellence over years and decades.
“We receive this award on behalf of all masters athletes across the world who are doing similar work to support others.”
— Joe Appiah MBE, 2026 WMA Gallery of Champions Inductee
Since its rebranding in 2022, WMA has continued to look for meaningful ways to strengthen the connection between the organization and the masters athletes it represents. The Gallery of Champions is one expression of that commitment—celebrating not only extraordinary athletic achievement, but the people, experiences and contributions that give masters athletics its unique character.
With every new induction, the Gallery builds a growing international legacy of achievement and inspiration and creates new opportunities to share the extraordinary stories within the global masters athletics community.
WMA invites media, partners, the athletics community and everyone inspired by lifelong sport to visit the WMA Gallery of Champions, discover its inductees and help celebrate and share their remarkable stories with the world.
Please join me and the WMA Council in congratulating the newly inducted Champions into the inaugural WMA Gallery of Champions, who have also been appointed WMA Ambassadors.
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