Browning set to sizzle in Perth

Australian sprint king Rohan Browning, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder, is primed for the Perth Track Classic in his return to the scene of where he reclaimed the throne, set to be joined by Oceania record holder Zoe Hobbs who brings sub-11 second speed to her matchup with Bree Rizzo.

The February 14 showdown will be hosted at the WA Athletics Stadium which has a growing reputation as a sprinter’s paradise, delivering some of the fastest times and memorable moments on the Australian athletics circuit in recent years.

One man with fond memories in Perth is fan-favourite Browning, who bolted to a 10.01 (+1.5) performance to win the 2025 Australian 100m title, upsetting pre-race favourite Lachlan Kennedy in a photo finish to be crowned champion.

Locked in to race in the Concord Business Advisory Men’s 100m, Browning is ready to set the tone for 2026:

“The Commonwealth Games is front of mind and there’s only three spots, with more than three guys good enough to be in the Commonwealth final. Perth will be the first real test on the calendar,” Browning said.

The two-time Olympian will take on 2024 Australian champion Sebastian Sultana (NSWIS) who is still just 20-years-old, while Joshua Azzopardi (NSWIS), Jacob Despard (TAS) and Tiann Whelpton (NZ) also bring international credentials to the contest.

Kiwi star Zoe Hobbs (NZ) is the only Oceania woman in history to shatter 11-seconds over 100m, doing so on Australian soil in 2023 and since lowering her personal best to 10.94 (+0.6).

“I’ve never raced in Perth in all my years on the track, but every year there seem to be fast times coming out of there. This year felt like the perfect opportunity to schedule it into the race calendar see what it’s all about for myself,” Hobbs said.

An electric starter who came within 0.01-seconds of 60m bronze at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, Hobbs is a force to be reckoned with but also no stranger to the Australian circuit – Olympian Bree Rizzo (QLD) welcoming the challenge after winning last year’s Perth Track Classic in 11.09 (+3.0).

“I’m pumped to have Zoe coming across the ditch to join us! She’s one of my long-time friends and it’s always great to have the opportunity to line up against the best in the world,” Rizzo said.

“Perth has definitely become a favourite amongst the sprinters. It’s known for fast times, nice conditions and tailwinds, so I think there’s going to be some great racing across the board. The competition keeps getting better every year which is so exciting to be part of.”

Also stepping up to the challenge in the Concord Business Advisory Women’s 100m are Rizzo’s Olympic teammates Ella Connolly (NSW), Kristie Edwards (NSWIS/pictured above) and Ebony Lane (QLD), while the local hopes will hinge on Taylah Cruttenden (WA) and Olivia Dodds (WA).

Teenager Josiah John (WA) will lead the emerging junior athletes gunning for the 2026 World Athletics Under 20 Championships, including the fast-starting Thewbelle Philp (QLD).

The 2026 Perth Track Classic will be hosted as part of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series, taking place at the WA Athletics Stadium on February 14.

Australian Athletics