Bridgend swimmer selected as flagbearer for Team Wales at Commonwealth Youth Games opening ceremony
Swimmer Rebecca Sutton from Bridgend has been selected by Team Wales to fly the Welsh flag at the opening ceremony of this week’s Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.
Chef de Mission, Gerwyn Owen, made the announcement this morning (Tuesday 18th July) ahead of tonight’s spectacular ceremony.
The selection was made following nominations from the National Governing Bodies of the six Welsh sports attending the Games.
Gerwyn said: “Rebecca has already shown her pedigree by being a multi-medallist at the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa 2015.
“Her double silver in the 400m Individual Medley and 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay along with her bronze in the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay showed her potential at her first multi-sport for Team Wales.
“She also performed well for Team GB at the Youth Olympics in 2015, and even though she’s still very young she’s a hugely experienced swimmer.
“I’m sure this will inspire her fellow team members here in the Bahamas as well as other budding Welsh athletes.”
A swimmer since the age of 4, 16 year old Rebecca joined Bridgend County swimming club aged 7. She now trains at Bridgend County pool and also travels to Cardiff and Swansea 50m pools.
The Porthcawl Comprehensive student from North Cornelly, who finished her GCSE exams before travelling with Team Wales to the Bahamas, said: “To be the flagbearer for Wales at the opening ceremony is a dream come true.
“It’s an absolute honour to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Youth Games for the second time, and having the opportunity to lead the Team at the opening ceremony is icing on the cake.”
Congratulating Rebecca, Commonwealth Games Wales Board Chair Helen Phillips said: “Rebecca has already demonstrated that she has outstanding talent, and is showing massive potential for future medal success both at youth events and future senior Commonwealth Games.
“The Youth Games are a great opportunity for our young athletes to gain experience of competing at big events, and hopefully put them in a strong position to become the Welsh international champions of the future.
“We wish Rebecca, and the rest of Team Wales, all the best during the Youth Games this week. I have no doubt that it will be an amazing experience for them, starting with the opening ceremony tonight which promises to be a great show.”
Rebecca is one of 38 young Welsh Commonwealth hopefuls who arrived in Bahamas on Sunday ahead of the opening ceremony. The Games will run until the 23rd July, with Team Wales competing in six sports – namely swimming, athletics, boxing, judo, tennis and women’s rugby 7s.