By Renae Jones
Lianna Davidson’s golden throw at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne and a personal-best season opener in the US have earned the rising javelin star the title of Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month for March.
The 22-year-old from New South Wales, currently based at the University of Georgia, made waves on both sides of the globe in March, kicking off her 2025 campaign in style.
Fresh off a plane from the US, Davidson claimed gold in Melbourne with a 61.06 metre throw. It marked her third time breaking the 60-metre barrier and saw her defeat Commonwealth Games and World Championship medallist Mackenzie Little.
“I was honestly shocked when I heard about this recognition, but I’m truly honoured and stoked to be named Emerging Athlete of the Month,” Davidson said.
“I didn’t expect to open with a personal best or even throw over 60 metres,” Davidson admitted.
“I had a knee injury… (and) a chest infection the week before,” she added, “but (on) competition day I felt great.”
“It was a fun and laid-back competition.”
“Having a supportive squad made it even better, which in my experience, often leads to the best results!”
Davidson’s throwing journey began long before javelin, in what may be considered an unconventional way; with a baseball in hand at the age of four.
“I think I had a natural arm, which helped when I first tried javelin,” she said.
Now a student-athlete at the University of Georgia, Davidson is balancing elite competition with her studies.
“Sometimes it’s tough balancing final exams, projects, and the SEC (Southeastern Conference) Championships all in one week, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“I’m lucky to have everything I need… all within a couple of kilometres of where I live, which is virtually impossible back home.”
Breaking the 60-metre barrier for the first time at last year’s NCAA Championships in Oregon remains one of Davidson’s proudest moments – a breakthrough that reflected her steady rise in the sport and fulfilled a season-long goal.
With her trajectory clearly established, Davidson’s focus has shifted to new challenges.
“This year (I want) to stay consistent and ideally have all my competition marks over 60 metres,” she said.
“My main goal is to qualify for the World Championships in Japan.”
While pursuing these ambitious targets, Davidson emphasizes the importance of her support network.
“I’m incredibly thankful for my family, coaches, and support team,” she said. “They’ve always believed in my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself, and I’m so grateful for their support.”
“I owe all of my success to them for sure.”
The Commonwealth Games serves as a platform for developing the future stars of Australian sport and the Emerging Athlete of the Year forms part of a refreshed Awards and Honours program developed by the CGA Heritage and Awards Committee.
The CGA Emerging Athlete of the Year Award celebrates the next generation of Australian sport stars and those that may make an impact for Australia at major sport events in the future.
Over the course of 2025, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Emerging Athlete of the Month and will receive a $500 contribution towards their training and competition expenses.
Three finalists from the monthly winners will then split a $7000 cash prize, with the winner receiving $5000 and the two runners-up $1000 respectively.
