She represented Australia at the East Asian Games: Osaka, Japan in 2001 winning three gold medals in the 100- and 200-metre butterfly, and the 4×200-metre freestyle.

In 2005, Lara made her first major Australian team competing at the World Championships: Montreal, Canada and won a silver medal as part of the 4×200-metre freestyle relay (heat swimmer).

In 2006, Davenport made a career changing move relocated to Kingscliff and due to a back injury specialized in freestyle events.

In 2006, Lara competed at the World Short Course Championships: Shanghai, China resulting in a gold and silver medal in the 4×200-metre and 4×100-metre freestyle relay (heat swimmer).

Davenport serves as a Role Model for Red Dust,[8] a program manager with the Stride Foundation,[9] and the Queensland and Victorian Olympic Councils Education Committees, as Chair and Executive Member of the respectively.

In 2015, Davenport started a consulting and coaching business, focusing on performance enhancement, health promotion, leadership and community development through evidenced based experiential techniques and programs.

[19] 2008 Lara was awarded the "Key to the City’ Gold Coast for "recognition of outstanding sporting achievement at the Beijing Olympics".