Double Podium For Aled Sion Davies And Harrison Walsh As The Discus Throwers Put Wales On Top

BIRMINGHAM – Comments from Aled DAVIES (WAL) after winning gold in the men’s discus F42-44/61-64 at the Alexander Stadium on Wednesday.

Aled DAVIES (WAL) – gold

On finally winning gold after winning silver at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games:
“This a special one. I didn’t think I’d get another chance to represent Wales after Glasgow. There was a lot of heartache there. I wasn’t the athlete I wanted to be.”

On the level of competition:
“When this opportunity arose I knew it was going to be difficult. There was young Harrison (WALSH, WAL) and the legend that is Dan GREAVES (ENG).

“I didn’t quite pull it together as I would have liked tonight, but I’m in such a place that even on my bad days I can still deliver respectable performances.”

On sharing a podium with Harrison WALSH (WAL):
“I am proud of that guy. I’ve watched his journey and he’s progressed incredibly.

https://twitter.com/AledDavies2012/status/1555150098564349952

“He is a true gent and a professional and it is a true honour to have two Welsh people on the podium. I am excited for his future and where he’s going to take this event.”

On his future plans:
“I want to go back to shot put and get ready for world champs in Paris next year. Then Paris (2024 Paralympic Games) is only two years away and I’d love to defend my title there. But for now, I want to relish this and take it all in.”

BIRMINGHAM – Comments from Harrison WALSH (WAL) after he came away with a bronze medal in the men’s discus throw F42-44/61-64 at Alexander Stadium on Wednesday:

Harrison WALSH (WAL) – bronze

On his emotions after getting a medal:
“When I walked in [to the stadium], I said, ‘What’s that all about?’

“I have never competed in front of a crowd, because of Covid, and then, knowing that I get to stand on the podium and hear the Welsh national anthem thanks to Aled [DAVIES] winning gold, and me also having a medal around my neck… I’m not going to have a dry eye all night.

https://twitter.com/GillibrandPeter/status/1554935036780191745

“I went to Tokyo [for the Paralympics] last year but got injured before the competition. I can’t describe my relief and joy today.”

On gold medallist Aled DAVIES (WAL):
“To see Aled on the top step is very emotional. We train together all of the time and he’s a great motivator.

“When I first found this sport after playing rugby – I was a rugby player before I had a significant injury that left me paralysed – he was the guy I knew, and he’s the guy who inspires me every day.”