Beth Davies Bags Brilliant Bronze For Wales

Beth Davies lived out her dream of competing at the Commonwealth Games as she won a stunning bronze medal in the 20km Race Walk.

The Cardiff athlete overcome sweltering conditions at the picturesque Currumbin Beachfront course to add to Wales’ growing medal tally on Sunday morning.

Davies only took up the sport after borrowing some ‘sweaty’ kit and filling in to help out her team but now she is a Games medallist.

The 27-year-old said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, not many people know about race walking and we’ve been working hard in the UK to push it to the forefront. 

“Hopefully after this a few more people will stand up and show that you can be an elite race walker.

“It was pretty tough. It’s really hot. Different from back home. I just stuck to my plan and what I needed to do, and I’m happy.

“But I was prepared, I’ve been doing a lot of work since the other girls have been in the Southern Hemisphere. 

“I’ve been using cooling strategies, which have helped, and this is the best I have felt in this type of environment.”

Davies, 27th at the worlds in London last year, finished in one hour, 36 minutes and eight seconds.

Australia’s Jemima Montag won in 1:32.50 from New Zealander Alana Barber who clocked 1:34.18.

The neuroscientist got her calculations perfect as she moved up from fourth into the bronze medal spot when Australia’s Claire Tallent was disqualified.

Davies added: “I was aware she had a few cards up the front, so that’s why I kept to my own pace. 

“I hoped someone would come unstuck at the front and they did.”

Davies is coached by Andi Drake who also saw his walker Tom Bosworth get silver for England in the men’s race.

Pembrokeshire’s Heather Lewis also produced a gutsy display in the tough conditions to finish seventh in 1:41.45.