Paralympic sprinters Chad Perris and Rhiannon Clarke are amongst the fastest names in Para-athletics bound for the Perth Track Classic on February 14, where they will light up the west in a bid to draw first blood in 2026.
The combination of Paralympic stars and fresh talent from the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will see the Paragon Consultants Men’s and Women’s Ambulant 100m races serve as a prelude to the 2026 Australian Athletics Championships, with fresh rivalries heating up the scene.
Nathan Jason (QLD, T12) emerged as one of the bolters of 2025 and burst into the 100m T12 final in New Delhi, setting a national record of 11.04 to place him within reach of breaking the elusive 11-second barrier – a feat that could be achieved in Perth.
Pushing him to the line will be the experienced duo of Chad Perris (ACT, T13) and Jaydon Page (ACT, T47), but Jason is up for the fight in the battle which includes World Championships teammates Ullrich Muller (QLD, T38) and Samuel Allen (QLD, T37).
“I’m super keen to race in Perth again! I have really good memories and times there from Nationals last year, so I’m pretty eager to get back to that track,” Jason said.
“Guys like Chad are the gold standard for where I want to be in my own racing down the line this season, and being able to race against all the best Para boys in Australia is always an awesome opportunity.
“This will be a great start to my racing year leading into the Commonwealth Games.”
Perris remains Australia’s fastest ever Paralympian at 10.65-seconds and the favourite to take line honours, before the winner will be decided on the BASELINE system.
Local talent Rhiannon Clarke (WA, T38) will lead a rising crop of women’s sprinters alongside Paralympic medallist Mali Lovell (NSW, T36), as the duo look to defend the throne from their younger counterparts.
First Nations sprinters Briseis Brittain (NT, T38) and Layla Sharp (NSW, T38) will be hot on their heels after international debuts at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, along with Akeesha Snowden (SA, T37).
A two-time Commonwealth medallist, Clarke is eyeing another chance at the podium in Glasgow this July, with both the 100m T38 and 200m T38 on the program.
“Racing on my home track in front of family and friends is always special. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race against some of Australia’s best Para sprinters,” Clarke said.
“It’s exciting to see Para-athletes consistently featured on the domestic circuit. Opportunities like this are so important for performance, visibility, and growing the sport.”
2026 Perth Track Classic will take place at the WA Athletics Stadium on February 14. The meet is supported by the Western Australia Government, through the Department of Cultural Industries, Tourism and Sport and Venues West.
Tickets can be purchased HERE.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 6/2/2026
