Full Breakdown
Ashley Moloney Trades Decathlon for 400-Metre Hurdles Ahead of Commonwealth Games
5/22/2026, 6:00:53 AM
From Olympic Decathlon Bronze to 400-Metre Hurdles
Ashley Moloney won Australia’s first Olympic decathlon bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held 2021) after a dramatic 1500 m finish with teammate Cedric Dubler. He added a World Indoor podium in 2022 but then suffered foot, hamstring, knee and adductor injuries that forced him out of the outdoor World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics. In 2025 he took a year off, later saying the ten-event program had become overly taxing and left him bored. Early in 2026 he announced a permanent switch to the 400-metre hurdles, describing the move as enjoyable and a distinct challenge.
Key Figures and Emerging Rivals
Moloney now trains under sprint coach Andrew Iselin, who also guides Lachie Kennedy. Former decathlon partner Cedric Dubler, now a Queensland Academy of Sport videographer, remains supportive despite training separately. Dubler missed the April nationals with an adductor strain. At the national championships 19-year-old Matthew Hunt and 22-year-old Kyle Bennett finished ahead of Moloney, underscoring the depth of Australian hurdling talent.
Performance Timeline and Statistics
- 2021 July – Olympic bronze in decathlon, Tokyo.
- 2022 March – World Indoor podium.
- 2025 – 2026 – Injury recovery and decision to switch events.
- Feb 2026 – Debut 400 m hurdles race, 57.0 seconds; March sub-53 seconds.
- Apr 2026 – Australian Championships, third place with sub-50 second finish.
- May 2026 – Oceania championship, Darwin (Commonwealth Games qualifier).
The series of performances cut Moloney’s 400 m hurdles time by more than seven seconds within three months, culminating in a sub-50 second run that placed him third nationally.
Official Statements
Moloney explained that the 400-metre hurdles offer a more enjoyable and distinct focus compared with the multi-discipline decathlon, which he felt had become overly taxing and had reduced his enthusiasm. Dubler emphasized that there is no lingering tension between them and commended Moloney’s rapid progress, observing that each race demonstrates clear improvement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s just fun, it’s a completely different challenge,” — Ashley Moloney, Athlete
- “I’m used to just absolutely flogging myself,” — Ashley Moloney, Athlete
- “I don’t think there’s any bad blood there,” — Cedric Dubler, Former Decathlete
- “After his first [400m hurdles] race, there were a few question marks about how it would go, but every time he steps foot on the track, he continues to improve, and continues to impress,” — Cedric Dubler, Former Decathlete
- “I’ve been ambidextrous my whole life, I can sprint hurdle on both legs,” — Ashley Moloney, Athlete
What’s Next
Moloney’s showing at the Oceania championship will decide his selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. A strong performance could also keep him in contention for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic program, where Australia hopes to expand its sprint-hurdle pool.
