Commonwealth Games 2026: Aled Sion Davies’ passion renewed for discus return

Despite his world number one ranking, Davies says he has relinquished his own expectations but understands that the public will be anticipating another gold medal.

Doing that has been made more difficult by a change in throwing pattern, and he will need to avoid returning to his old tricks.

“People are expecting me to go in there [and defend the gold medal], but I really don’t know,” he confessed when asked what version of him we will see in Scotland.

“Because I’ve changed so much technically, I’m caught between two movement patterns.

“I’ve been put on a new graph with a higher trajectory, but I need to stop going back to the old favourites because it’s bringing my ceiling down.

“Taking a couple of steps back to go further forward is probably where I’m at at the moment.

“It’s tough, but I’ve got the experience. If anyone is going to do it, it’s probably going to be me.”

Davies already has his eyes on winning shot gold at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles and accepts this will likely be his final time competing in the Commonwealth Games.

“My main focus is shot put, not discus anymore. We know there is always a lottery with the Para events at the Commonwealth Games,” he explained.

“I’m a lot older now, and I think there is a realistic chance that this could be my last one. I think this will definitely be my last discus competition, anyway.

“If there is shot put in the next Commonwealth Games, then great. LA is where I’m going for that gold.”