French prodigy Sasha Zhoya to headline Chemist Warehouse Canberra Track Classic after withdrawal in Melbourne

Athletics sensation Sasha Zhoya will make his awaited return to the World Athletics Continental Tour at the Chemist Warehouse Canberra Track Classic this Saturday after a cautious withdrawal from the Maurie Plant Meet - Melbourne last fortnight.

Zhoya, a World Junior champion and European Under 23 title holder for France, was initially slated to commence his season in Melbourne, however, the 21-year-old sprint hurdler withdrew from competition only moments before his race citing a quad strain - underscoring his commitment to a long-term vision leading up to his Olympic debut in Paris.

The Perth-born star’s presence down under has been eagerly anticipated by Australian fans and competitors alike. Over the weekend at the WA State Championships in Perth, he opened his season in the 110m Hurdles in 13.45 (-2.1) and will now turn his attention to his first World Athletics Continental Tour circuit appearance in Australia since 2019.

“I was disappointed not being able to open up my season in Melbourne, especially after having so many expectations for myself on that day,” Zhoya said.

“My excitement is still present though and I can’t wait to head across to Canberra. Canberra has a reputation of having a fast track so it would be the perfect place to end off my Australian preparation journey for the Olympics, and finish it off with a bang in the capital.”

As a 16-year-old in Australia, the prodigious talent ran a world-best time of 13.05 in the 110m Hurdles (91.4cm – Under 18 height) at the 2019 Australian Athletics Championships and followed up with the Men’s Under 20 Pole Vault title with an Under 18 world best of 5.56m.

Born to a French mother and father from Zimbabwe, the versatile talent pledged his allegiance to France in 2020, with the added incentive of making his Olympic debut in front of an adoring home crowd.

Speaking before the Maurie Plant Meet - Melbourne, the prodigious talent said he was thrilled to open his Olympic campaign in such a familiar environment.

“It’s about time I come back and race at home. It’s the preparation that I need, being in an environment I know so well, with a certain accent that I’ve missed hearing over these couple of years. I haven’t been more excited for something,” he said.

With a personal best of 13.15, Zhoya is expected to be a standout performer in the Men’s 110m Hurdles as he takes on an Australian line up, which includes Maurie Plant Meet winner Tayleb Willis, World Under 20 Championships finalist Mitch Lightfoot as well as World Athletics Championships representatives Nick Andrews, Jacob McCorry and Daniel Golubovic.

Entries for the Chemist Warehouse Canberra Track Classic have been released today, and can be viewed here and via the Roser Athletics app.

Supported by the ACT Government, the Canberra Track Classic is part of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series and will be streamed live and free on Seven’s digital platform, 7plus. 

Tickets can be purchased here.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 26/2/2024