Non Stanford announced as Team Wales captain

Team Wales have announced their team captain as Welsh triathlete, Non Stanford for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

The 200+ strong team will be led by the triathlete, who will experience her first Commonwealth Games with Team Wales this April.

Non Stanford was shocked but honoured at the offer to lead the team. She said:

“I got the call while preparing to travel to Dubai and I was in shock! Team Captain is a big role and I’m very grateful to be given the title for Team Wales heading to the Gold Coast next month.”

Non missed out on the team for Glasgow 2014 due to injury. She went on to compete in the Rio Olympics in 2016, just missing out on a bronze medal to housemate Vicky Holland.

“The Commonwealth Games has been a dream of mine since a young age, it was on my radar well before the Olympic Games. Growing up, my dream was to be able to compete for my country. Missing out on the last Games in Glasgow was really tough for me so to now have the opportunity to wear the red jersey and lead a strong Team Wales out in Gold Coast- I’m just thrilled.”

It’s my first ever Commonwealth Games so this is so exciting for me, it’s really pushed me to want to do an even better job for Wales and for the team. It’s certainly another incentive to get the team off to a great start! I’m competing on the first day of the Games so I want to give it all my all and inspire the rest of the team for the duration of competitions.

We’re so patriotic as a nation so when you get the chance to compete for Wales, it’s a special moment in your career and unlike any other opportunity. I really hope the rest of Wales will get behind the team and show their support for Team Wales.”

Nicola Phillips, Team Wales Chef de Mission said:

“The team captain is selected for their individual leadership attributes and their ability to inspire our athletes by their attitude and behaviour in the competition arena and outside. They are typically someone who has experienced a major games and understands the added pressures of this environment and instils respect and belief amongst their team mates.

We are extremely pleased that Non has agreed to take on this important role in our team. She will be able to lead by example, having already shown so much resilience to overcome previous injury to get to Gold Coast Games, as well as such a positive attitude that will increase confidence in athletes attending their first games through believing in themselves and the power of a tight team supporting them.”