James Ball Rolls Up With Wales’ First Medal And Wants Others To Follow

James Ball hopes winning Wales’ first medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia can inspire the rest of his team.

Para-cyclist Ball won Wales’ first honour of the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast when he took silver in the men’s B&VI 1,000m time trial along with his guide Pete Mitchell.

The duo finished nearly a second behind Scotland’s Neil Fachie, who was piloted by Matt Rotherham, but more than half-a-second ahead of Aussie Brad Henderson and Tom Clarke.

“It feels absolutely fantastic, it’s a great honour to finally get the first one,” said Ball.

“I hope it’s a confidence boost for the whole team.

“I’m always on tenterhooks with (Neil Fachie). I’ve just come from Rio in the world championships and knew he would be good competition.

“I’m just pleased to be so close to him.

“It’s my first Commonwealth Games. I hope I’ve done the team proud and will treasure it for the rest of my life.”

Fachie, the world record holder for the event and a 10-time world champion in all, defended the title he won four years ago in Glasgow.

For Rio Olympian Ball, his silver came on the back of two medals at last month’s world championships in Brazil and will give Team Wales a big morale from the first day of competition.