Newyddion

06/09/2024 00:00, I Mewn Blog /

Next up on our profile series if Cardiff Athletics' Aled Sion Davies OBE who competes in the F63 Shot Put on Saturday from 19:25pm, an event in which he is the current defending Paralympic and World Champion! Coached by team lead Ryan Spencer-Jones, Paris will be Aled's fourth Paralympic Games having previously compted in London, Rio and Tokyo along the way to establishing himself as one of the most decorated Welsh paralympians. 

His first appearance at a senior athletics competition came at the 2007 IWAS World Championships in Taiwan. Originally making a name for himself as a discus thrower, achieving podium finishes at successive World Junior Championships up until 2011. Further on into his career, Aled has also found success in the shot put. First taking European Gold in 2012, he has gone on to win 6 world titles and two Paralympic Gold's across the F42 and F63 categories. 

Aled on the podium after winning gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai 2019.

We hear from Aled below:

How did you first get involved in Athletics? 

Growing up, I actually started off in swimming and competed for Wales in the age-groups. I'd only gone along to start with as my mum had bribed me with extra pocket money! Maybe my compteitiveness got the better of me as I was originally driven by wanting to beat my brother!

My athletics began in 2005 when I was invited by DSW to try out different para-sports and it snowballed from there really!

How has your year gone in the lead-up to Paris? 

I've had a few niggles in the period since Tokyo, so I'm really pleased to be ready to compete in one piece. I nearly didn't make it to the World Champs in Kobe so was relieved not just to be there but to come away with the title and a good performance. 

I'm going in with a lot of experience so lets hope I can get the job done again in front of a good crowd so whatever happens I'll leave it all out there!

What does being at the Paralympics mean to you?

It's so special and it really is the biggest stage for Para-Sport! I love an atmosphere and seeing the ticket sales, the crowds coming and the nice weather in contrast to Tokyo, I'm really looking forward to it!

The feeling you get when you're putting the vest on and representing your country is something that's hard to put into words. 

What do you like to do outside of athletics?

I love spending time with my family and I'm really into my music and cooking.

What's an interesting fact about yourself? 

In 2021 I was on TV, having been lucky enough o be invited on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. It was a pretty intense two weeks!

Please join us in wishing Aled all the best for the games! Catch him on Saturday evening, the penulatimate day of competition!