Gerwyn Owen is Academy Manager for Disability responsible for supporting the elite system and helping Welsh para-athlete success.
Here he gives his view on the IPC Athletics World Championships and what happens after Doha.
Here he gives his view on the IPC Athletics World Championships and what happens after Doha.
There’s been debate after debate about the impact the searing Qatari heat will have on the football World Cup in 2022. Well, our athletes have experienced it first hand, and it’s an extremely tough environment for sport. The high temperatures, low crowds and high humidity all made Doha 2015 a challenging competitive environment for the 11 Welsh athletes who pulled on the GB vest.
But our athletes will not allow their high standards to slip. They once again excelled themselves on the highest of stages.
Welsh athletes contributed to 30% of the GB gold medal total. 10% of the overall medal haul.
We saw World Records, personal bests and impressive performances after injury.
The fact we are maintaining our levels is important. I don’t like to use the term over performing but we have a determination to sustain the success we’ve seen over a number of years.
Elite para-sport is still relatively young but it is growing globally. There were 90 countries represented in Doha and half of them won medals, which gives an indication of how competitive the sport has become. There are more athletes and more systems now across the globe, therefore we need to keep a step ahead of them.
An important factor for us over many years has been developing our academy athletes to a position where they get into the GB system. That way Welsh athletes have the very best chance of success.
The system is key and we’ve employed three-time Paralympian Nathan Stephens as a Talent Officer to work across Wales identifying new athletes, building a picture and profile of our younger athletes and how we can bring them through the system.
In terms of Rio?
You could say much of the work has been done. The athletes are in the system and they are being successful and gaining all these experiences that will contribute to their chances at the Paralympic Games. Of course, there’s still lots of hard work pelatihan and preparation for the athletes, support teams and coaches to be done ahead to secure their seat on that plane to Rio.
For the Disability Academy, we’re looking a few Games ahead now because it’s important for us that success isn’t seen as a one-off. We have to look at talent earlier and set them on a path to the top. It’s a continuous journey for us.
For more information on Disability www.disabilitysportwales.com
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