As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, all eyes are on Ash Moloney, the young Australian decathlete who’s quickly becoming a legend in his field. At just 24 years old, Moloney is preparing for his second Olympic appearance, building on a remarkable career that has already seen him make history.
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From Brisbane to the World Stage
Moloney, an Old Collegian from Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong, credits his alma mater with playing a significant role in his development as an athlete. Reflecting on his time there, Moloney acknowledged that the College played a role by giving him a platform, as he did not have access to gyms and similar facilities at the time.
The facilities and opportunities provided by the college were instrumental in Moloney’s early career. He explained that the College gave him the opportunity to use their facilities and participate in his first major competition, the GPS track and field championships.
In 2015, at the tender age of 15, he claimed the Australian All Schools U16 high jump title with an impressive 2.00-meter leap. This victory sparked his interest in combined events, and within just two weeks of training, he competed in his first decathlon.
The following year, Moloney won the national U18 title mere days after turning 16, signalling the start of a meteoric rise. By 2018, he had clinched the World U20 Championship title in Finland, posting the second-highest junior score in history with 8190 points.
Olympic Glory in Tokyo
Moloney’s defining moment came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Despite being a first-time Olympian, he showed no signs of nerves. From the opening 100-metre sprint, where he clocked a personal best of 10.34 seconds, Moloney was in top form.
His performance over the two-day event was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in one of the most memorable moments of the Tokyo Games. In the final 1500-metre race, Moloney’s teammate Cedric Dubler sacrificed his own goals to run alongside him, shouting encouragement.
This act of camaraderie pushed Moloney to achieve a three-second personal best, securing the bronze medal with a final score of 8649 points—an Oceania and Australian record.
This bronze wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked the first time an Australian had ever medaled in the Olympic decathlon.
A Bright Future Ahead for Ash Moloney
Now, as Moloney prepares for Paris 2024, he carries the weight of expectation along with his impressive accolades. He currently holds the national U18, U20, and open records, cementing his status as Australia’s finest-ever decathlete.
Coached by Eric Brown from his alma mater, Brisbane Boys’ College, Moloney continues to push the boundaries of his abilities. His journey from a high school athlete to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to young athletes across Australia and beyond.
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As the world turns its attention to Paris, many will be watching to see if Ash Moloney can once again make history on the Olympic stage. With his track record of continuous improvement and his unwavering determination, the young Australian stands poised to solidify his place among the greats of decathlon.
Published 16-July-2024
