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Young Cobram runner wants to go the distance

Feb 7, 2020

Goulburn Valley Grammar School running prodigy Emily Davies, 11, has been recognised for her talents on the athletics track in the past 12 months.

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The Cobram resident is the final nominee for the Cobram-Barooga Sports Star of the Year Awards 2019 and said it felt amazing to be nominated for the award.“I really do love running,” she said.Davies was nominated for a variety of achievements at last year’s School Sports Victoria State Athletics Championships, from distances as short as the 800 m up to cross-country running.She said of her efforts at last year’s state championships, her biggest achievement was placing fourth in the 1500 m with a time of 5:20.“I trained so hard that year, I was really happy with my place and surprised with my time because it was so hot,” she said.Davies said finishing fourth had made her hungrier and she hoped to get a medal next time.Her running successes booked her a spot in the Victorian Junior Athletics Development Squad for the 2019-20 season. She said it was a “great opportunity” to make the squad, as Cobram did not have as many competitors.Coach Brooke Williams nominated Davies for the award and is also the rising star's training partner.“I love training and especially love my coach; each session, I push myself harder and harder and set goals for myself,” Davies said. She trains at least four times a week and competes in the Shepparton parkrun every Saturday.Last year, she broke 20 minutes for 5 km, while her 2020 goal is to break 19 minutes.

Davies is no stranger to sporting success; last year, the school's 4 x 50 freestyle relay team, which she was part of, placed fourth at the state swimming championships.

Her tips for those who are a little out of shape or looking to rekindle their love for running was to “just get out there and have a go”.

“Once you’ve done it, you feel so good about yourself, it always cheers me up when I go for a run.”