Inspirational athletes deliver Team Wales’ most successful Games in Gold Coast

Team Wales athletes are celebrating a record-breaking performance at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The team, made up of around 200 athletes, won 36 medals, including 10 Golds, the best ever return for Wales.

Team Wales also won 12 silver and 14 bronze medals, finishing seventh in the medal table, ahead of Scotland in 8^th and Nigeria 9^th.

The medals came in 11 sports, reflecting Wales’ growing strength across the board in sports where Wales has traditionally found it hard to compete.

Athletics, boxing, cycling (both track and road), gymnastics (both rhythmic and artistic), lawn bowls, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and wrestling all enjoyed podium success.

Team Wales Chef de Mission Prof. Nicola Phillips said:

“We are thrilled with our record-breaking achievement here. We asked our athletes to focus on producing their best performances and the medals would look after themselves. And that’s what has happened. It has been a huge team effort across the board. The athletes performed with passion and commitment, and we are confident they have inspired a new generation to get involved in sport.

“There is a deeper story of success beyond the medal table, with a long list of personal bests and highest placings – more than we’ve ever had. Many young athletes made finals at their first Games, and others won matches in the spotlight of international attention.

“The national governing bodies, supported by Sport Wales, have prepared the athletes better than ever before. And Team Wales staff worked hard to create the best environment for success out in Gold Coast.

“The great performances across a breadth of sports shows that Wales is becoming competitive in more than just a few.

“A few of the sports have athletes who train and compete full time, but most actually train around their jobs or student education. Without exception, all of our athletes have prepared meticulously and performed to their very best, which is all we expected of them.”

Helen Phillips MBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales said:

“Team Wales has worked very hard to create an inclusive atmosphere. It’s added to the confidence and mutual support that everyone, including the other nations, have noticed out here.

“We aimed to inspire others to perform and achieve their best, and to ignite a passion for sport in Wales, in particular for young people. I am absolutely confident that we’ve accomplished both – by our athletes’ performance in competition and also their attitude and conduct off the field.”

“Our success at Gold Coast 2018 is testament to the strong and inspirational leadership provided by Nicki as Chef de Mission as well as Commonwealth Games Wales staff and Team Wales officials.

“It is also the result of remarkable dedication by the athletes themselves and the excellent support given to them throughout their careers by the national governing bodies, coaches and staff at Sport Wales.

“We owe a big debt of gratitude to our sponsors CGI and University of South Wales, and also to the Welsh Government who have backed us all the way.”

Athletes and staff from Team Wales will begin flying home after today’s Gold Coast 2018 Closing Ceremony at Carrara Stadium.

List of Team Wales Medallists at Gold Coast 2018