Ash Moloney community engagement goal after Tokyo Olympics triumph

He became an Australian icon overnight after an inspirational bronze medal effort in Tokyo, and now Ash Moloney wants to inspire the next wave of Olympic athletes.

Decathlete Ash Moloney is finally back in his home state of Queensland, but rather than recuperating after a draining Olympics, the decathlete is on a tour to inspire the next generation.

The bronze medallist spent time in Mackay, talking to kids from around the region about the trials and tribulations he faced in Tokyo.

Moloney said he loved giving back to those who supported him in his journey to the podium.

“A lot of people have told me how amazing it was to watch the Olympics while they were stuck in lockdown and how it passed the time for them, so I’m glad I played a small role in relieving some boredom,” he said.

“I don’t think I really realised the amount of attention I got when I was in Tokyo, getting recognised walking down the street is pretty cool.”

Now officially an Australian icon, Moloney is connecting with the younger generations and promoting hard work and persistence.

The 21 year old said he wanted to be an inspiration to the next wave of Australian sporting stars.

“I’m not Superman, I try not to be Superman when they ask me questions because I want to be relatable,” he said.

“I want these kids to think they can do it as well, because they can.”

It was not Moloney’s first visit to Mackay, with the decathlete throwing a personal best effort for discus at the Aquatic Recreation Centre in 2020.

He said his Olympic experience was different to how he expected, but the trip made him “hungry to do better”.

“In the lead up to the Olympics I expected more of a crowd, but the State of Emergency meant there was no one in the stands and no fans in the streets,” Moloney said.

“But there was still an unbelievable atmosphere over there with all the athletes, not just from Australia but from all the different countries.

“Everyone would just walk up to anyone and introduce themselves, and have a full-on conversation with anyone from around the world, which was pretty cool.”