Azzopardi blows cobwebs – and field – away in Perth

Josh Azzopardi sizzled in the Perth Track Classic, blowing out the cobwebs to start the season by equalling his best time for the 100m.

The 26-year-old New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder finished in 10,09 (+1.9) to blow the field away with fellow New South Welshman Connor Bond securing silver in 10.18.

While happy with his time, Azzopardi – who had a hamstring injury in December – said there was still room for improvement.

“It wasn’t a greatly executed race, so that’s something I will go back to my coach about, and we can go from there,” said Azzopardi, who ran for Australia at the Paris Games.

Other NSWIS athletes performed strongly including Jemma Pollard who set a new PB when she won the women’s 400m in a time of 51.73 seconds.

Under-20 star Izobelle Louison-Roe (NSWIS, Karen Roe) continued her dominance in 2026 with a sixth and final round triumph in the women’s Triple Jump, harnessing the windy conditions to jump 13.47m (+2.5) to take down World Championships representative Desleigh Owusu (NSWIS, Andrew Murphy) with 13.45m (+3.3).

NSWIS