HOME-GROWN OLYMPIC SEMI-FINALIST YUKICH READY TO THRILL PERTH FANS

Olympic semi-finalist and home-grown favourite Alanah Yukich is ready to thrill WA fans when she returns to the WA Athletics Stadium for the Perth Track Classic next month.

The WA athlete will showcase her world-class grit and perseverance in a stacked Women’s 400m race after a gutsy and career-defining 2024. The American-based hurdler will use the Perth Track Classic to launch her 400m campaign with the support of her hometown as she aims for even more results in 2025.

“I’m excited to open my 400m campaign at the Classic. What better way than in front of a home crowd with family and friends cheering you on? I know it’s going to be a good race,” Yukich said.

“[After 2024], my biggest takeaway is to lock in and enjoy every race as it is. Rather than anticipating the next race, I am grateful that I get to do this every day. So, for the Perth Track Classic, I am going to lean in, enjoy the atmosphere, push the girls and give the crowd a show. I can’t wait.”  

Yukich will be joined by an impressive crop of national 400m runners, including World Athletics Under 20 Gold Medallist Bella Pasquali, Jasmin Guthrie and WA’s own World Athletics Under 20 Silver Medallist Amelia Rowe.

“We are bringing high-level running back to Perth. You can be sure that I am going to be pushing those girls, so expect a few of us to be crawling at the end. I want it to be a fast race.”

No stranger to the Perth Track Classic, Yukich is excited for a full circle moment, this time the Olympian in the ranks.

“My first Track Classic was running with Sally Pearson in the 100m hurdles. I was nervous and excited all at once. It’s now literally a full-circle moment - I’m the Olympic athlete in the field, so I’m excited to be that person for others, to have the chance to see and race on Perth soil. It’s an honour.”

Yukich made headlines last year in the lead-up to Paris 2024 when she competed in three countries over three days, clocking three sub-56 second times to secure her selection for the Women’s 400m Hurdles. Making her Olympic debut, the Australian hurdler impressed in the stacked event to face off with Olympic medallist Femke Bol (NL) and make it through the semi-finals.  

Yukich joins World and Olympic Champion Nina Kennedy as some of the first athletes announced for the Perth Track Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze-level meet.

The Perth Track Classic is proudly backed by the Western Australian Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and Venues West.

Tickets are available to purchase HERE.

By David Smith, Athletics West

Posted 12/2/2025