Decathletes Ashley Moloney and Cedric Dubler on track for Olympic qualifying performances

Decathletes Ashley Moloney and Cedric Dubler remain on track for Olympic qualifying performances after shining at last week’s Oceania Championships in Townsville. The meet also saw Cooper Schmidt clinch a sensational 400m hurdles gold.

Decathletes Ashley Moloney and Cedric Dubler remain on track for Olympic qualifying performances after shining at last week’s Oceania Championships in Townsville.

In a meet which also saw UQ Athletics Club stable mate Cooper Schmidt clinch a sensational under 20 400m hurdles run to win a gold medal, young lion Moloney won the open decathlon in a new best score.

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“This is one of the biggest scores in history for a 19-year-old old,’’ said head coach Eric Brown.

“It also moved him to fourth on the all time list for open athletes in Australia.’’

Cedric Dubler. .

An electric 400m PB and pole vault PB were part of Moloney’s performances.

“His pole vault was outstanding and defied belief as his moved his personal best from 4.60m to 5.00m,’’ Brown said about the Brisbane Boys College old boy who hails from sporting rich Logan city.

“It is almost impossible to do this with any athlete. It just goes to show what immense talent he has.’’

Brown said Dubler’s 2.13m high jump and solid day two performances closed the gap on Moloney but it was not enough.

“It was a terrific battle. Cedric’s score of 8031 was his fifth, 8000 plus points score in his career and is a new record for an individual in Australia,’’ Brown praised.

Dubler was now close to world championships selection while “both boys are on track for an Olympic qualifier’’.

Schmidt was outstanding in only his third ever 400m hurdles race.

“The decision to change him to this event has really paid off,’’ Brown said.

“Considering it is only the third time he has raced them, he was very impressive and will have massive gains in the next few months.’’

Tori West clears the bar during the high jump event in the open women's heptathlon. Picture Facebook/Tori West

High jumper Elizabeth Moss finished third in the under 18s which was an outstanding effort given she only had time for three training sessions in her comeback from injury.

“There is no doubt she will bounce back in the next few months once her strength and fitness return to number one in Australia,’’ Brown added.

Sprinter Caitlin Jones remained on track for the 400m world title team.

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Brown said Jones had a chest cold but still ran second and was “a great chance of making the relay team for Doha (world championships) after also finishing second earlier in the year at the nationals.

Tori West withdrew from her heptathlon competition after her knee injury flared, and the decision was made to save her for the World University Games.