Strong Bangor University contingent at 2018 Commonwealth Games

Weightlifters that have been selected to represent Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth GamesBangor University Staff, students and alumni have been selected to represent Wales at next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Wales have revealed the names of those who will be competing across weightlifting events at the 2018 Games.

Competing in the men’s categories will be Psychology alumnus, Seth Casidsid (56kg); Canolfan Brailsford staff member, Gareth Evans (69kg) and Sports Science student, Harry Misangyi (85kg).

The women weightlifters heading to the Gold Coast are: Sports Science alumna, Hannah Powell (48kg) and Psychology student Catrin Jones (53kg).

Bangor University supports elite athletes by offering annual Sports Scholarships to its students and talented local athletes. Seth, Hannah, Catrin and Harry have all benefited from these Scholarships over the last few years.

Harry commented: “The Sport Scholarship supports and enables me to focus more on studying and training, giving me the best chances of performing at the highest standard. Bangor University has been very good in assisting me over the past year whilst I have been trying to gain selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and now that I have been selected, my focus turns to achieving the best that I possibly can for my country in Gold Coast next April.”

The news of selection to Team Wales is the culmination of an amazing week for Catrin as she also won the BBC Wales Carwyn James Young Sportswoman of the Year 2017 award.

Catrin said: “I’m overjoyed to have been selected for Team Wales, it’s capped off a brilliant week. The support I’ve received from Bangor University over the last few years has been incredible! The Sports Scholarship that I was awarded as a local bursary whilst I was at school, and now as a Bangor student has benefitted me massively as it allows me to concentrate on both my studies and training to the best of my abilities. I also have access to excellent training facilities and coaching at Canolfan Brailsford.”

During the last few years, Catrin has won many titles and became the Welsh Champion in 2017 and won a silver medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Richard Bennett, Bangor University Director of Sport, said: “The inclusion of five athletes based at Bangor University is a huge honour for us and reflects the investment we have been able to make in supporting our own students and the sporting community in North Wales. The flexibility and support offered by the academic team at Bangor has given Catrin, Harry, Seth and Hannah the opportunity to succeed in combining their academic studies with an intensive training programme. Our newly opened Platfform81 gym has proved to the be preferred training venue for the Welsh team and we are very glad to welcome them as they prepare for the Gold Coast.”

Helen Phillips, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Wales Board said: “Congratulations to all of the weightlifters who have qualified and been selected to represent Team Wales at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“Being chosen for Team Wales is testament to the athletes’ commitment, passion and dedication also to the excellent support of their coaches, families and national governing bodies. We wish them all the very best with their training for the Gold Coast.”