Busy Dubler finds time to coach next generation

Cedric Dubler is a busy man.

Aside from training for his ten events and focussing on an upcoming home Commonwealth Games next year, the Queensland-based decathlete is also taking the time to fly down to Adelaide in support his athletes who are contesting the 2017 Australian All Schools Championships and 2017 Schools Knockout Final.

Dubler who helps oversee the Brisbane Boys College team was there to support a number of his athletes including 2017 Australian under 18 men’s decathlon champion and under 18 combined event record holder Ashley Moloney (Qld).

“I’ve flown down just for the day to help the boys get through the competition,” Dubler said.

“I’m sort of overlooking everything… jumps, throws and a bit of hurdles too,” said the decathlete naturally.

Moloney qualified second fastest in the under 18 100m heats behind eventual gold medallist Edward Nketia (ACT) but did not contest the final at the all schools championships over the weekend. At the schools knockout final, Moloney got back up to win the long jump with 7.01m (+0.9), finish third in the 110m hurdles and seventh in the 400m final.

“Ash injured his hamstring at the all schools,” Dubler said of his athlete, “So he’s going well considering that… we’ve held him up together with sticky-tape but he got through all his events”.

Moloney will now likely have a rest period before he prepares for the second half of the Australian summer, and a likely start at the 2018 World Under 20 Championships in Tampere, Finland next July.

For Dubler, however, he’ll want to peak much sooner, as he gears up for the 2018 Australian championships from 15-18 February and hopefully a start at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“Training is going really well,” Dubler said.

“I’m feeling fit and strong, and my throws are starting to come together now which is awesome. I had a shotput session the other week where I was throwing close to 13 metres which is great considering I threw 11.50m in Rio – it’s a big improvement.”

“My body’s holding up really well - My main focus leading into the Commonwealth Games is just to stay injury free and healthy.”

A GC2018 ambassador, Dubler knows having the Games in his own backyard is a huge motivation as he prepares his body for what is probably the most challenging of all track and field pursuits – the two-day-long decathlon.

“The Games are going to be incredible. I’ve been inside the stadium already and had a bit of a behind-the-scenes tour – the track wasn’t even ready yet but I’m hoping once do I’ll be back to check it out.”

READ: Carrara Stadium's massive makeover ahead of GC2018

“The atmosphere is going to be incredible and I know the home ground advantage really does exist so hopefully it will be able to carry me to a great result.”

In the meantime, busy Dubler plans to cut back on the coaching, as well his many other commitments which include speaking gigs.

“It’s tough sometimes. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of events like going to schools as well as guest appearances and my coaching, but I love it and I am looking to take it back a bit now as I start to focus more on training.”

If athletics fans want a first-hand look as to how busy Cedric is, look no further than his youtube channel, where he’ll be continuing to post regular vlogs as we build up to #GC2018.

Tickets to see Cedric compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games are still available - please click here.

Men’s decathlon:

Monday 9 April Morning: 100m, long jump, shot put.
Monday 9 April Evening: high jump, 400m

Tuesday 10 April Morning: 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault.
Tuesday 10 April Evening: javelin throw, 1500m