Codie Davidson in action in Penrith.  File photo by Noel Rowsell.

Paddle NSW received a record number of nominations across the 15 categories for the 2023/24 Paddle NSW Annual Awards and local Western Sydney Whitewater Club member Codie Davidson had the privilege of being the first athlete named.

Codie has won the 2023/24 PNSW Junior Paddler of the Year award and her achievements in 2024 underscore her exceptional talent and relentless dedication to the sport.

At just 17 years of age, Codie has distinguished herself as a standout athlete and role model in canoe slalom and kayak cross. Training intensively six days a week, which includes 13 sessions, Codie balances her rigorous athletic schedule with coaching younger athletes, showcasing her commitment to both personal excellence and nurturing future
talent.

Her impressive accomplishments in 2024 include: Aged National Championships: 1st place finishes in Junior C1W and Junior Women’s Kayak Cross; Australian Open: 1st place finishes in Kayak Cross, Junior K1W and Junior C1W; Oceania Championships: 1st place in Junior Women’s Kayak Cross and 2nd in both Junior K1W and Junior C1W; National Championships: 1st place in Junior K1W, 2nd place in Junior Women’s Kayak Cross, and 3rd place in Junior C1W.

Beyond national and regional success, Codie made history in 2023 at the Junior and Under 23 World Championships, as the first Australian Junior / Under 23 athlete to win a medal in kayak cross. She then backed up that performance at the 2024 Junior and Under 23 World Championships to win Bronze again. Her performance there included a bronze medal and a commendable 24th place finish in Junior K1W semifinals.