Welsh Athletics name Commonwealth Games team

Welsh Athletics is delighted to announce that a team of 22 athletes have been selected by Team Wales to compete in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Three times Paralympic gold medallist, Aled Davies OBE will be gunning for the podium after today being named by Team Wales to compete at the Games this summer.

Davies said:

“To represent your country is a real honour and to represent Wales is a very special achievement in anyone’s career. I am such a proud Welshman and extremely patriotic, so I am delighted to be selected for my second Commonwealth Games. This is the one title that eludes me so finishing second in Glasgow was the biggest learning curve in my career and I am now ready to right the wrongs.

“It’s a fantastic squad, we are not there merely to make the numbers – we are there to take medals and be competitive. I’r Gad (To the battle)”.

Three returning Commonwealth Games medal winners from Gold Coast will also be included in the line-up. Olivia Breen will be hoping to take home gold in the T38 100m following her bronze four years ago at Gold Coast. Melissa Courtney-Bryant (1500m) and Bethan Davies (10k race walk) will also be aiming to improve on their bronze medals.

Race walker, Bethan Davies added:

“I feel truly honoured to have been selected by Team Wales to represent at the Commonwealth Games for a second time, it’s a sense of pride like no other.

“Since my bronze medal winning performance over 20km on the Gold Coast roads there have been changes to the walks. The CWG distance has dropped to 10,000m and is now track based which increases the technical scrutiny, potentially meaning even more drama and excitement! I cannot wait to share this experience with more of my family and friends and showcase the event I love to an almost home crowd. Cymru am byth!”

Team Wales today further revealed:

• Tokyo 2020 Olympian Jake Heyward finalist will be making his Commonwealth Games debut this summer having recently improved his own Welsh mile record.
• Swansea Harrier duo, Hannah (200m) and Joe Brier (400m) will be forming part of the sprints contingent attending their first Commonwealth Games together.
• European U23 100m champion Jeremiah Azu has been selected for his first senior championship as he targets the podium in the 100m.
• Five Para athletes have been selected including three times Paralympic gold medallist Aled Davies. Alongside, Olivia Breen and Rhys Jones will also be returning for their third Commonwealth Games.
• Three athletes (Olivia Breen, Rhys Jones and Osian Jones) will be returning for their third Commonwealth Games and eight athletes for their second games. These include (Hannah Brier, Melissa Courtney, Dewi Griffiths, Heather Lewis, Jenny Nesbitt, Aled Davies, Jonny Hopkins and Bethan Davies).
• 11 athletes selected will be making their debuts at Birmingham.

Welsh Athletics National Coach, Chris Jones said:

“Welsh athletes faced the toughest ever selection criteria for Birmingham 2022, so I am delighted to confirm 22 athletes will be joining Team Wales from athletics.

“I am proud that the work and dedication of the whole team has been recognised by this selection and I am excited to see how the athletes perform.

Within the team we have a great mix of experienced athletes who will be returning for their second and third Commonwealth Games combined with 11 athletes who will be making their debuts at Birmingham. “

Meanwhile Fiona Reid, CEO Disability Sport Wales is also feeling upbeat:

“It is so exciting to see the Welsh Athletics Commonwealth Games Team announced today with such a fantastic group of athletes – some of whom have previously competed on the International stage while others will gain invaluable experience being in Birmingham.  An inclusive team full of great talent!”

In addition to those athletes who have been selected by Team Wales following the nomination process, Welsh Athletics were delighted to accept an invitation direct from Commonwealth Games Federation for Lauren Evans to represent Wales in the women’s heptathlon.

The Welsh Athletics team will be introduced to the crowd at the Welsh Senior Outdoor Championships on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith.