Over the last decade the women’s Javelin has been the second most successful Australian event on the global stage, behind the women’s High Jump.
It has produced two world champions, five global medallists and a total of 14 finalists, along with three consecutive Commonwealth Games champions.
Three javelin throwers have led this dominance, Kathryn Mitchell, Kelsey-Lee Barber and Mackenzie Little.
But the stocks following in their footsteps are promising including, Lianna Davidson and Mackenzie Mielczarek and an emerging 17-year-old Tallara Joseph-Riogi.
Sydney’s Tallara Joseph-Riogi recently launched the 500-gram javelin to a stunning 60.44 metres, to claim the number two under-18 ranking in the world for 2026.
To put that distance in context, in 2013 Mackenzie Little threw 61.47 metres to win the World Youth Championships title (U18).
Joseph-Riogi’s performance follows a year that has seen her win the Australian and Oceania Under-18 titles by seven and six metres respectively.
Joseph-Riogi started her athletics journey at Canterbury Little Athletes aged six.
Years before it was an official event for her age, at age nine, she was already throwing the javelin.
“My sister was throwing Javelin and since I was there my dad asked if I could join in without thinking this is where I would be today, then I realised I wanted to be a javelin thrower,” Joseph-Riogi recalled.
At the 2022 Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) she placed second in the under-13 Javelin.
A week earlier she had placed 5th in the Australian Junior Championships.
She closed the year in December with silver at the Australian All Schools Championships.
Her championship distances improved that year from 37 to 44 metres.
Over the next few years at the Australian All Schools and Australian Juniors Championships, Joseph-Riogi would show steady progress, usually finishing on the podium.
She reflected on her progress over the last few years.
“It shows you don’t have to be a star early to have success later on.
“Growing up and watching those girls (her competitors) throw made me realise the talent that is across Australia, it made me learn from the losses, and that now getting new PBs and wins, is a privilege and that hard work and dedication pays off.”
One of those athletes who has provided Joseph-Riogi with regular competition has been Queenslander Jalyn South, who took the 2025 Australian All Schools Championship title ahead of Joseph-Riogi.
It could have been a turning point in her career.
“It was a good competition,” recalled Joseph-Riogi.
“I think this competition helped me become a better athlete because no matter how good you are, someone is always better and in that case Jalyn South was the better athlete.”
In her 10-event competition journey over the last four years, Jalyn South has been in every competition, usually finishing just one place behind Joseph-Riogi.
“I got to know her over the four years she is a very good friend. Our competitions are always good she is an amazing athlete always pushing me to be better.”
In Perth next month at the Australian All Schools, Tallara Joseph-Riogi is aiming to improve her PB of 60.44 metres and considering that was set in the rain, who would doubt she can achieve this.
No doubt on the radar is the Meet Record of 58.28 metres and Mackenzie Little’s Australian under-18 record of 61.47m. Joseph-Riogi already holds the Australian under-16 record.
The Australian javelin stars of the last decade have been inspiring for Tallara Joseph-Riogi
“These women are the reason I believe I can throw. Watching them inspires me to be better each time I compete and practice. Not only NSW’s Mackenzie Little and Lianna Davidson, but also Kelsey-Lee Barber and Kathryn Mitchell are a huge inspiration to me. All four of these women are amazing and unbelievable throwers.”
Family has been a big part of Tallara Joseph-Riogi’s journey, being coached by her father, Casimir ‘Cas’ Riogi.
While her mum, Courtney Joseph is Aboriginal.
“I am a proud Dharug girl born and raised in Sydney. My connection to land is Sofala,” Joseph-Riogi said.
By David Tarbotton, Australian Athletics.
Posted 6/11/2026
