Levi strikes gold - then raises bar again

Teenager Levi Davidson has beaten the best in Australia – but is still aiming higher!

Davidson, from Bribie Island Weightlifting Club, struck gold at the National under 15 titles, in Perth earlier this month.

A member of the Queensland team, he won with a 75kg snatch (lift in one movement) and 100kg clean and jerk (two movements).

That gave the St Columban’s College student victory by 4kgs and a bronze medal in the national under 17 competition.

“I thought I had a chance (of a medal) but pushed any pressure to one side,” he said, “it felt pretty great when I realised I’d won.”

Leanne Know, coach of the Queensland team in Perth, was quick to praise the Sandstone Point resident.

“Levi displayed excellent control of both his technique and competition mindset at Nationals and broke his personal bests, being a fantastic asset to the Qld Weightlifting team.”

However, Davidson, 15, now has his sights set on the Australian team, for which he needs to lift 188kgs. His best is currently 175kgs.

“You might get offered a place, but I’ve got to keep training and getting stronger to have a chance of getting in,” Davidson said.

Training is demanding with CrossFit and gym work throughout the week. But, the new national champion said: “I love it.”

Davidson started weightlifting at the Bribie club in 2017 as a nine-year-old and in his first competition lifted an 18kg snatch and 22kg clean and jerk.

“We used to run classes at his school and he enjoyed it,” said coach Jade Sharp, “he’s very powerful so had a great talent for weightlifting.

“He trained once or twice a week since then but stepped his training up to three times a week for the past year at our club on Bribie.

“He’s super dedicated and also trains at CrossFit Bribie Island five days a week which has helped with his all round physical development and athleticism.

“As a teenager, who shows up to training rain, hail or shine and even rides his bike to get there sometimes, he is such a wonderful role model for teenage boys in our community.”

Coaching is a family affair. Jade Sharp is Davidson’s aunt and he was also coached by his grandmother Marr Davidson for six years.