Neath sprinting siblings to compete for Wales in Commonwealth Games

Neath brother and sister sprinting duo Hannah and Joe Brier have received a call up by Team Wales and Welsh Athletics to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

It will be Hannah’s second Commonwealth Games after competing in Glasgow 2014. She will be racing the 200m and she can’t wait.

“It feels amazing. I was so young last time. I was 16 and that was eight years ago so this time I’m around, I’m 24 and everything I’ve been through the last couple of years, this is really, really special.”

She will of course be joined by younger brother Joe who will represent Wales in the 400m.

Hannah adds: “The family are so, so happy at the moment, My Mum cried when she found out and then went straight on to buy an absolute fortune of tickets when she realised we might be on different days. It’ll be amazing to share that experience with Joe.”

They will also be joined by Ospreys rugby player turned Paralympic discus thrower Harrison Walsh who said: “I absolutely can’t wait to get out there and represent my country, my family and myself., Paralympic athletes don’t often get to represent Wales so this is a real privilege. Diolch!”

Meanwhile, marathon man Dewi Griffiths – who helps out on the family farm in Llanfynydd – will be aiming to put injury woes behind him. Having been selected for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a stress fracture forced him to pull out just days before boarding the plane to Australia

Swansea Harrier Jonny Hopkins is in the line up for the 3000m steeplechase while Heather Lewis will be aiming for a podium position in the 10k racewalk. And, for once, her family – who run a farm and adventure park – will be able to cheer her on:

“I’m really excited for my family. Normally, they’re so busy on the farm they can’t come and watch but it will be much easier for them to get to Birmingham!”

Welsh Athletics National Coach, Chris Jones said: “Welsh athletes faced the toughest ever selection criteria for Birmingham 2022, so I am delighted to confirm 22 athletes will be joining Team Wales from athletics.

“I am proud that the work and dedication of the whole team has been recognised by this selection and I am excited to see how the athletes perform.

“Within the team we have a great mix of experienced athletes who will be returning for their second and third Commonwealth Games combined with 11 athletes who will be making their debuts at Birmingham. “