Thomas delight after earning Wales call-up
YSGOL y Strade pupil Ben Thomas is one of 38 athletes invited to join the Welsh Athletics 2018-19 Commonwealth Games Programme.
Thomas started running at the age of nine in with Llanelli AC and then joined Carmarthen Harriers during 2013. He had success in cross country and athletics events at school and club level.
Three years later, within two years of jumping his first steeplechase barrier, he represented Great Britain for the first time. And he travelled to Gyor in Finland this summer to compete in the European Youth Games.
He claimed ninth place in the 2000 metres steeplechase in a new per- sonal best of 5:53:47, taking almost four-and-a-half seconds off his previous best.
His call-up crowns a fine 2018 which has seen him take first place in the Under-18s English Championships and claim club records in both the under-17s 1500m steeplechase and under-20s 2000m steeplechase. He was also first in the Under-20s Welsh Schools Athletics Association Inter-Schools Cross Country Championships in 2017.
Thomas said: “I am delighted, proud and honoured to be named in the Welsh Athletics Commonwealth Games Talent Development Support Programme. The big aim for 2019 is to gain qualifying times and Great Britain selection for the under-20 European track and field championships in the summer.
“There are various stepping stones prior to this including the Welsh Cross Country Championships in Pembrey and the British Milers Club events starting in May.”
Harriers endurance coach Neil Thomas added: “Ben has shown excellent dedication and this is just reward for that. After an excellent summer steeplechasing on the track, competing for Carmarthen Harriers, Wales and Great Britain, I am sure the support of Welsh Athletics will help Ben progress further.”