Athletes’ Commission selected for road to Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Team Wales’ preparations on the road to Birmingham 2022 have officially began as they announce the selection of the Athletes’ Commission this week.
The Athletes’ Commission is an important part of preparation, established to directly connect the athletes with Commonwealth Games Wales (CGW), the national body responsible for selecting and sending elite athletes to compete for Wales at the Commonwealth Games.
The group of athletes, drawn from a broad range of sports, will work with CGW board members to provide feedback on a variety of athlete topics and issues. The group comprises of:
Jazz Carlin – Former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold medal Swimmer said:
“To retire from the sport I love was really hard, but I’m so excited to still be involved with Team Wales going in to Birmingham 2022. It’s an opportunity for me to share my experiences with the next starts of Commonwealth.”
Lauren Price – Commonwealth Games Gold medal Boxer 2018 added:
“I am extremely honored to be part of the athlete’s commission for Team Wales. It is an honour to represent Wales always, whether it’s competing as an athlete or as an athlete representative for Team Wales.”
Anwen Butten – Welsh International Bowls competitor for Wales said:
“Absolutely delighted to be successful in joining the AC. I have a wealth of experience from previous Games and I am excited to have the opportunity to be working towards Birmingham. Promoting the voice for successful athletes.”
Gareth Evans – Commonwealth Games Gold medal Weightlifter 2018;
‘’I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be involved with the Athletes Commission ahead of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. This will be a great opportunity for me to give back sport in Wales and use my time in top level sport to help make the games a better experience for the Welsh athletes.”
Jaz Joyce – Welsh Rugby Union and Commonwealth Games 7s player;
‘’I am super excited to be a part of this, and is an amazing opportunity for athletes to get their voices heard’’
Rhys Jones – Paralympian and Commonwealth Games athlete;
‘’What an honour it is to be a part of the Athletes Commission for Team Wales. What an amazing opportunity this is to be a voice for athletes and para athletes with it being an inclusive game. I can’t wait for Birmingham 2022! Bring it on.’’
Bethan Davies – Commonwealth Games Bronze medal Racewalker 2018;
“I’m very honoured to have been selected for the Athlete Commission, representing Wales at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is by far my proudest athletic moment to date and I thoroughly look forward to being part of the athlete voice in Team Wales’ build up to Birmingham 2022.’’
Leah Wilkinson – Welsh Hockey Captain;
"To be involved with some of the athletes that are in the Athlete’s Commission is really, really important to me. Using my experience as being at 3 Commonwealth Games before, to be able to have an input, its really special and a really great opportunity. It’ll be so nice to speak to other athletes of all different sports and sit down to discuss where we’re all at to push the whole of Team Wales forward over the next three years."
Team Wales celebrated a record-breaking performance at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The team, made up of 228 athletes, won 36 medals, including 10 Golds, making it the best ever return for Wales.
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