Team Wales / Tîm Cymru - The Road to Birmingham

Tanni Grey-Thomspon needs no introduction. She’s one of Britain’s greatest ever Paralympic athletes and has become a global ambassador for disability sport. 16 medals from five Paralympic Games, winning the London Marathon six times and represented Team Wales three times at the Commonwealth Games. She hasn’t just succeeded in the world of sport; in addition to an accomplished career as a TV presenter, she is also highly established as a politician, becoming Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE in 2010 and a member of the House of Lords; supporting issues such as accessibility, equality and disability sport. She talks about her pathway into sport, her incredible achievements, representing her Country,  and why she still has challenges ahead and aspirations to accomplish in her new role as Chair for Sport Wales.

Kuala Lumpur 1998, Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010, and an impressive 3 Commonwealth medals…Kevin Evans has certainly made his mark in Amateur Boxing.

He became the first British boxer to win a medal at a World Championships, and also became, and remains, the only Welsh fighter to compete at four consecutive Commonwealth Games. He’s adapted well to ‘retirement’ – running a successful fitness gym in his home town of Carmarthen, whilst also inspiring the next generation of enthusiastic athletes. Kevin also talks about his journey into the ring, the importance of the Commonwealth Games, and how his children could soon be following in his international footsteps.

Julie Thomas, like most athletes is determined, focused and eager to continue her journey to reach her summit of success. She won bronze in the mixed pairs VI Lawn Bowls four years ago in Gold Coast 2018 and she’s eager to get back on the podium this summer in Birmingham. Her journey into sport began when a sudden life changing event cost Julie her career and her sight. She talks openly about her transition from being an independent career woman, adapting to her new lifestyle, and how sport has transformed her outlook on life. Julie’s journey is certainly like no other…

Non Evans is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring athletes to come out of Wales, and she’s certainly not one to shy away from a challenge – International rugby player, Commonwealth judoka, Commonwealth weightlifter, Commonwealth wrestler… it’s an achievement in itself representing your country in four different sports, but doing it all whilst working full time is remarkable. She has certainly made her mark in sporting history – highest rugby try scorer, the first athlete to represent her country in two different sports at a single Commonwealth Games, and the first Commonwealth athlete to represent her country in three different sports.

She talks about her highest of highs during her sporting career and the devastating lows, including a battle with her mental health. She’s certainly has a story to tell! Whether you are listening whilst running, driving, or relaxing at home… this is one podcast you’ll want to keep listening to.

Julien Macdonald is known for two things – as a world-renowned Fashion Designer and being a ‘very’ proud Welshman. He’s travelled the globe, dressed the biggest names in showbiz, and now he’s venturing into the sporting world for the first time.

Julien has been announced as Team Wales’ official designer for the Opening Ceremony. During the photoshoot, we caught up with Julien about the project and the challenges he’s faced designing a uniform to complement hundreds of Welsh athletes from multiple sports that will represent Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games this summer in Birmingham.

He gives us a sneak preview of the design and shares his aspirations for the future.

Dan Jervis has already made headlines in the swimming world – back to back medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and most recently a finalist at the Tokyo Olympics... but he’s not finished yet. His aspirations of topping the podium in Birmingham this summer and Paris in 2026 are most certainly within touching distance.

Coming from a very close-knit family unit in Resolven he shares the importance and impact his family and his faith has had on his success as an elite swimmer, and how exceptionally proud he is to represent his country on the world stage.

Jamie Baulch is known as one of the world class athletes of the 90’s who helped shape the face of athletics. He became World Indoor Champion in 1999, and in total has won 11 medals across the Olympics, Worlds, Europeans and the Commonwealth Games throughout his career as one of Wales’ greatest ever 400m sprinters.

Jamie made his debut for Team GB debut in 1991, breaking the Welsh 200m record. In his first year competing in the 400m, he was selected for the 1996 Olympic Games and came home with the Silver as part of the 4x400m quartet.

Throughout his career he also became one of ‘the’ big personalities off the track too. His peroxide dreadlocks won him promotional campaigns with Vidal Sassoon and his friendly and extroverted personality earned him a career as a TV presenter and motivational speaker.

With so many career highlights, what has been the most important race for him? How has he managed to transition from athlete to businessman so easily? We look back at his successful career and find out what drives his success in life.

When you hear the name Lauren Price you immediately think; champion, role model, Welsh superstar… the list is endless.

Lauren’s journey in sport has seen her become world kickboxing champion, winning 52 football caps for Wales, then came titles of World, European, Commonwealth, and most recently Olympic boxing champion.

What drives Lauren to succeed, and with her becoming a household name, what’s next for Lauren? We caught up with Lauren a few weeks ago, still riding the waves of her Olympic success.

Paralympian extraordinaire Aled Sion Davies is aiming for success at Birmingham 2022 as his passion as a proud Welshman keeps the Commonwealth Games very close to his heart.

Shot put has been his main focus over the last four years but he is changing disciplines to be in with a chance of representing Team Wales as Birmingham have included the F42 discus category in the athletics calendar for the Games.

We look back at his extraordinary career and hear about his aspirations on the road to Birmingham!

Brand new #TeamWales #TîmCymru podcast coming soon! 

Delve into the life stories of iconic Welsh Commonwealth athletes, follow their journey as they turn aspirations into reality, and get the behind the scenes scoop on the Team Wales Commonwealth Games preparations. Join us on the road to Birmingham #B2022!