Newyddion

16/11/2021 00:00, I Mewn Blog /

Triple Paralympic champion Aled Sion Davies changes tactics to be in with a chance of representing Team Wales at Birmingham 2022. 

“I mean it’s a no brainer for me. It wouldn’t matter what shape or form - if there was an opportunity for me to earn that Welsh vest and have it on and compete for my country, I'll take it!”

Launching today, with Aled Sion Davies as the first guest, is the brand new Team Wales podcast series on Apple and Spotify. The series will delve into the life stories of iconic Welsh Commonwealth athletes, following their journey as they turn aspirations into reality. 

The triple Paralympic champion from Bridgend took home the gold F42 discus at London 2012, the F42 shot put title at Rio 2016, and most recently the F63 shot put at Tokyo 2020. Shot put has been his main focus over the last four years but he is changing disciplines to be in with a chance of representing Team Wales as Birmingham have included the F42 discus category in the athletics calendar for the Games.

“I’ve been told I have another shot, I’m very, very excited. There’s a discus event for me at the Commonwealth. I’ve been a professional shot putter solely since 2016, dabbling in discus but it was my first athletics event, it’s where my heart lies. 

There aren't many opportunities for me to throw discus anymore - I haven't even thrown it for four years so yeah I’m back training and feeling good!”

Team Wales Chef de Mission Nicola Philips said;

“It’s great news that Aled is hoping for a place in Team Wales next summer. This just emphasises the passion and pride Welsh athletes have in representing their country. Having someone like Aled who has just come back from the Paralympics with another gold is a great example of a world class athlete doing everything they possibly can to get that Welsh shirt on, and in Aled’s case that’s changing disciplines after 4 years, which is remarkable. We at Team Wales wish Aled and all the athletes currently on the long list the best of luck over the coming months’’

Fiona Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sports Wales said;

“We mustn’t ever forget what an incredible athlete Aled is. He is a formidable thrower and we are all incredibly excited to hear that he is hoping to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year, especially wearing the red of Wales.” 

James Williams, Chief Executive Officer Welsh Athletics said;

“Aled is a proud Welshman, and despite the huge amount of success he has had in a British vest, I am sure he will want more than anything to celebrate a gold in the Team Wales vest and to hear the Welsh National Anthem play in Birmingham next year. There is a very strong cohort of able bodied and para throwers in Wales, so I am sure Aled will be working extremely hard to confirm his nomination over the next 6 months.”

 Aled still needs to qualify to be selected, but he’s feeling very confident; 

“I’m very motivated because I’ve been undefeated in what I do for a long time and now I’ve got to go through the formalities of qualifying and earning my spot on Team Wales and getting myself on the rankings, but at the same time I get the chance to put myself amongst those medals and I feel very, very, very confident!”