RYE’S Kai Davenport has taken home gold in the U20 Para Athletics 1500m at the 2026 Australian Athletics Junior Championships.
The competition took place from 15 – 20 April in Brisbane. The 18-year-old didn’t stop at one medal, delivering an impressive performance and securing silver in the 800m and bronze in javelin and long jump.
This comes after Kai won three golds and a silver in the Victorian State Championships, which qualified his spot in the national competition. He decided to go all out representing Victoria by dyeing his hair blue to match the uniform.
Kai discovered his passion for running in 2019 after competing in school cross country. Since then, he has trained consistently at the Mornington Athletics track under coach Craig.
Living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Kai has found sport to be a powerful outlet. His mum, Trish Davenport, said he discovered sports at a young age, first becoming interested in NRL because he enjoyed the rules and structure.
“He’s got a passion for running, and if you don’t find him at home, he’s usually running, doing his training, or he’s doing laps around the community,” Trish said.
Kai spends lots of his time volunteering at Southern Peninsula Little Athletics Centre, coaching and mentoring the young athletes. Trish said the children don’t see him as someone living with ASD, but just as Kai.
He graduated from Dromana Specialist College last year. Kai is now studying to be a teacher for additional needs and working two jobs.
“I’ve always said you can do anything,” Trish said.
“I don’t believe in doubts. Always go for what’s next.”
Trish said Kai’s mindset has been influenced by his sister Latisha, who is legally blind.
“How he sees life is that if she can do things, I can do things,” Trish said.
When Kai fell over a pothole and snapped his ankle, he continued to run on it for three weeks and ignored the pain. He was advised to stop running to let it heal, but Kai didn’t want to listen to that advice.
“He said, ‘No, if I stop, I’m missing out. If I stop, that means I’m going to get unfit’,” Trish said.
“Determination from him to prove himself proves to me that he can do anything.”
Trish said the most important thing for Kai is to always make sure he is having fun when he plays sports. Throughout his involvement, he has formed strong friendships and made some incredible memories.
Kai is currently trying to secure a spot in the Melbourne Marathon. He has completed 10km and 15km races but is now looking towards the next challenge.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 29 April 2026
