Aled Sion Davies Gears Up for Final Commonwealth Games

Glasgow Revival and Personal Reset

The 35‑year‑old Welsh athlete is set to compete in the F42‑44/F61‑64 discus throw at this summer’s Games in Glasgow, marking what he believes could be his last appearance on the Commonwealth stage. He earned Commonwealth gold in 2022 and has not touched a discus since, shifting his primary focus to shot put after a prolonged injury layoff. A surgical procedure to address osteitis pubis prompted a move to Australia, where a new training environment reignited his love for the discus. “It changed everything for me,” he said, describing the experience as opening a Pandora’s Box of fresh possibilities. The injury forced a year‑long break, but he returned to claim his seventh straight F63 shot put title at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

Training Shift in Adelaide and New Focus

Now based in Adelaide, Davies trains under renowned throwing coach Dale Stevenson and is putting extra care into his body after pushing through pain at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. He explains that leaving his former setup felt refreshing, allowing him to explore new options and rebuild his confidence. “There is still a lot left to squeeze out of the lemon,” he noted, highlighting his belief that his best work is ahead. The combination of surgery, a change of coach, and a more efficient training regimen has created what he calls his biggest learning curve yet. The results are evident: a world‑number‑one ranking in shot put and a renewed drive to compete at the highest level.

Gold Hopes and Future Ambitions

Despite relinquishing his personal expectations, Davies acknowledges that fans still anticipate another gold medal in Scotland. A shift to a higher trajectory throwing pattern adds complexity, as he strives to avoid reverting to old techniques that limit his progress. “If anyone is going to do it, it’s probably going to be me,” he reflects, leaning on his extensive experience. Disappointment over his 2024 shot put silver drives him to stay competitive with rivals like Kuwait’s Faisal Sorour, urging him to improve. He now views shot put as his primary objective and sees the upcoming Commonwealth Games as potentially his final outing, aiming instead for a gold medal in shot put at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.