Commonwealth Games call up for weightlifter
AN Aberdare weightlifter who only took up the sport in 2013 has been called up to the Commonwealth Games for the second time.
Christie Williams will join 11 other weightlifters to compete across various categories at this year’s games in Gold Coast, Australia, in April.
Christie, 25, only took up the sport in 2013 after suffering a knee injury in athletics.
But just 18 months later, she was named in the Welsh squad for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In 2017, she became the first recipient of the University of South Wales’s Vice Chancellor’s Sports Scholarship, where she is studying a BSc in Strength and Conditioning.
A former Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun student, Christie is a member of the Weightlifting Wales Elite squad. As well as competing at the 2014 games, she also took part in the 2015 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in India, where she picked up a bronze medal in the 58kg category.
She also competed at the 2016 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Malaysia.
Speaking about her selection, Christie said: “It is an honour to represent my country Wales at my second Commonwealth Games.
“The past year has been my toughest to date, having had two major injuries that could potentially put me out of the sport. But I have fought hard to overcome these injuries mentally and physically.
“I am super excited and nervous and will do all i can to make my country, family and friends proud I will give it my all on the day.”
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.”
Simon Roach, sports manager of Weightlifting Wales said “I am delighted to see such a strong team selected for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The athletes have worked exceptionally hard to achieve selection.
“They are extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent their country in this forthcoming Commonwealth Games. I wish them every success in their final preparation.”
Coun Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “We are delighted that Christie has once again had her hard work and commitment recognised, resulting in her being a part of Team Wales at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
“She is a great ambassador for her sport and for the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf and we look forward to supporting her as she flies the flag for us on the Gold Coast.”
It follows the announcement that Rhys Jones, from Clydach Vale, has also been named in Team Wales. He will represent Wales in the men’s 100m event (T37) in his second Commonwealth Games, having previously been selected for Glasgow in 2014.