Tokyo Olympics 2021: Ash Moloney will break decathlon world record, says coach

Ash Moloney’s decathlon bronze put the athletics world on notice but his coach says the 21-year-old is just getting started and he will smash the current world record by hundreds of points.

Bronze medallist Ash Moloney is a once-in-a-generation athlete who will break the decathlon world record within two years.

That’s the prediction from his coach Eric Brown who says the 21-year-old could become one of the “greatest athletes on the planet”

“At 21 years of age most decathletes would be around 7500-7600 points and Ash was 8600 plus (in Tokyo),” Brown said.

“He is a world record holder for under 20 and he will break (Kevin) Maher’s world record within a year or two.

“That is how good this kid is, he’s a superstar on the rise and I think the whole world has now been alerted to that.”

Brown said Moloney was talented enough to compete in five different events at the Olympics.

“His 100m time is 10.3 which is ridiculous for a decathlete and he will eventually be the fastest Australian 100m runner, and he’s a decathlete,” he said.

Ashley Moloney held onto bronze in Tokyo but is set for bigger things according to his coach. Picture: Alex Coppel

“He runs 45.7 for the 400, he is the second best 400m runner in Australia and would have been in the 4x400m relay team if that had gone ahead.”

And the best is yet to come with the veteran coach suggesting Moloney was still years away from his peak which is why the world record of 9126 points - set by Maher in 2018 - was under threat.

“Decathletes peak around 28 and in this day and age they can hold it a bit longer,” Brown said.

“(Gold medallist) Damian Warner is 32 and he’s the best he has ever been his entire. Ash will be one of the greatest athletes on the planet if he doesn’t get injured at any stage.

Olympics multi-event coach Eric Brown has made a bold prediction about Ashley Moloney. Picture: Richard Walker

“He will break Mayer’s world record by hundreds of points because he’s just ridiculously good.”

Brown said studies had shown decathletes improved around 1000 points between the age of 20 and 24. Given Moloney produced an Australian record 8649 at the Olympics, his trajectory will see him claim the Frenchman’s world record.

“There have been studies done over many years so even if he improves 900 points, Ash will beat the world record by 400 points,” he said.

The javelin throw is the event where Moloney will need to improve as it cost him the silver medal on Thursday night with Maher leapfrogging him with a throw that was 16 metres superior.

Ashley Moloney competes in the javelin throw leg of the decathlon. Picture: Getty Images

In a thrilling finale to the gruelling 10-event competition, Moloney, with the urging of his teammate Cedric Dubler, managed to finish close enough in the 1500m to secure bronze - the first time Australia has won a medal in the decathlon.

Dubler’s actions in sacrificing his own performance by screaming encouragement at his training partner throughout the final race has struck a chord with the Australian public.

“They are great mates, they’ve been together five years and he is like a mentor to Ash and has helped guide him through,” Brown told SEN.

“Cedric actually tore his hamstring and was lucky to get on the plane (to Tokyo) but he was desperate to get over there to help Ash out.”