Eureka Athletic Club’s Courtney Scott, Jack Davies and Stewart McSweyn were all selected to compete last year in either the under-20 6km women’s or 8km men’s events. 

Ballarat Olympian Collis Birmingham will compete in the men’s 12km race. 

The four Balllarat-based representatives are part of a team of only 20 representing the nation, with four support staff and Griffin as coach.

“For them to have reached such a high standard it’s a true credit to them,” Griffin said. 

“I’ve been coaching for years, and it’s fantastic to see so many competing at this level. 

“It’s fantastic that out of the 20 runners, four are from Ballarat. It follows in the footsteps of Steve Moneghetti and keeps Ballarat’s running tradition going.”

Griffin said all performed well at the trials, but the championships would be a tough event. 

“The African nations are always hard to beat,” he said. 

For the three junior athletes, the world championships will be the biggest competition they’ve been involved in.