Out of the eleven runners on the Stade de France track at the Paris Olympics in August 2024, Newcastle native Rose Davies crossed the finish line in third place with an astonishing time of 15 minutes and 86 seconds, propelling her into her first Olympic Final.

Ezra Platt writes about Davies’ journey leading up to the women’s 5000 metres in the 2024 Olympics, with a special focus on her extraordinary performance at the finish line.

Rose Davies was born in Newcastle, New South Wales in 1999. An athletic prodigy in her early teens, Davies first started running at 11 years old and within two years was the best in the nation, clocking times of 2:08 (800m) and 4:27 (1500m).

After finishing third place in the first heat in Paris last year, at the 2024 Olympic Games, Davies became the first person to wear the green and gold in a final 5000m heat since Rio in 2016, and the fourth Australian women to make the 5000 metre Olympic Final and the first to run a sub-15-minute time.

Newcastle’s Rose Davies

The 25-year-old national record holder finished twelfth, a huge improvement since her debut. As a dual Olympian and distance runner, Davies made her Australian debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, clocking 14:41:65 and beating Jessica Hull’s 5000 metre national record.

Her outstanding career has continued to progress with personal bests over 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m.

NBN News described the day of the final, highlighting Davies friends making themselves heard as she lined up.

“Her goal was to run an Olympic Final and look how well she’s done.”

– states Cassidy Fleming, Davies friend.

 

Friends and Family showing support (credit Cassidy Fleming)

Receiving the chance to speak with Rose, I asked her a few questions about her recent trip to the Olympics and her athletic story.

What initially drew you to the sport? 

I started running at the age of 11. I loved watching the Olympics growing up, especially athletics.

“I am grateful I am in the position I am in today and I think this shows how quickly things can change.” She recalled.

So, from a young age, my dream was to compete for Australia at the Olympics.

How would you describe your training regime (physically and mentally)?

My training regime is intense, I run 160km a week, all year round. Running this high mileage keeps me fit which is essential for high performance and makes me stronger, which also gives me confidence for races.

Describe your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge to date was in 2022 when i was training so hard but not achieving the goals I had set. I learnt I had very low iron levels and had to take a few months rest to recover.

What motivates you to push yourself forward?

I love achieving goals and seeing how far I can push my body. Running also keeps me happy and levelheaded.

My coach, Scott Westcott, also motivates me because he understands me, not only as an athlete but also outside of running. I have a lot of trust in him as a coach and I believe that is key. Scott went to the 2016 Rio Olympics so he understands the pressures of the sport and can guide me through that. I am grateful to have him by my side.

Rose Davies

Are there any key moments in your career so far?

Breaking the Australian 5000m record and coming 12th in the Olympic Final, for sure.

Running the Australian record I was surprised. I knew leading into that race that I was in good shape, but I didn’t think I was going to run it as fast as I did. To make the final I was relived. I had been aiming to make the final since the last Olympics, and so to achieve it and have family and friends there watching and cheering me on was a dream come true.

How was the day of the race for you?

I was actually sick that day, I just laid in bed all day and I was dreading it, the biggest up and down day. I woke up the morning of the race and rang my coach, he asked how I was going. I replied saying, I can’t do it.

But I try and distract myself, talk to people outside of the running world. Just take my mind elsewhere. I am usually pretty good under pressure, and it doesn’t affect me too much.

Do you have any approaches to setbacks?

I tell myself that, with every set back there is something new to learn. The road is never smooth sailing.

I have always looked up to athletes like Eloise Wellings. She really has a ‘never give up attitude’ and with all the setbacks she has had in the sport, she has always come out the other side stronger.

How has the impact of getting into the final heat at the Olympics changed how you move forward?

It has just shown me that I can keep pushing boundaries, when I keep a positive mindset. I want to get faster and stronger, break 14:30 for 5k, and hopefully next Olympics; Tokyo 2025 World Championships, I will be in the top 8 in the final.

 “I back my kick, and I know I have a strong last lap. It’s what I’ve been doing all year and it’s no different.”

– Davies in the Olympic media mixed zone.

Rose Davies described her ability to maintain her strength in the final stretch as a result of consistent training. She added that her hard work and determination have helped her mature.

Feature image credit – NBN News