By Adam Evans
WELSH Paralympian Aled Sion Davies is embracing the opportunity to win a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the F42 discus event.
Davies has won multiple golds in the Paralympics, World Championships and the Europeans but is missing a Commonwealth gold from his collection. The 30 year old finished second in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The Bridgend athlete has an impaired range of motion and therefore qualifies for the F42 category.
He has been solely focused on shot put since 2016 but Davies has had no hesitation in switching disciplines back to discus for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“I mean it’s a no brainer for me. It wouldn’t matter what shape or form – if there was an opportunity for me to earn that Welsh vest and compete for my country, I'll take it!” 🏴
@AledDavies2012 changes tactics to be in with a chance of representing #TeamWales at #B2022! pic.twitter.com/mXS1MnD2OT— Team Wales 🏴 Tîm Cymru (@TeamWales) November 16, 2021
Speaking on Team Wales – The road to Birmingham Podcast, Davies said: “2014 was the dream for me. It was just off the back of winning my first Paralympic gold, I was a double world champion, world record holder and I got the opportunity to be a part of Team Wales.
“Obviously with the limited para events it is like a lottery, especially for somebody like me.
“I was so excited to be named captain aswell and really wanted to lead by example. I was young and inexperienced and took too many things for granted, I underestimated my opponent.
“I know people say you win the silver but for me, I lost the gold. I was world leader going into it and it was definitely within my grasp.
“I was heartbroken because I thought that may have been my last ever chance. I didn’t think I would get another chance in my career to have another bite at the cherry.”
The 2022 Commonwealth games will feature eight para-sports which is the biggest offering in the event’s history.
“When the events were announced for 2018 (Commonwealth Games), I thought that was the end of the ‘commy’ dream for me,” continued Davies.
“We are here now, how many months out from Birmingham 2022 and I have been told I have another shot. I’m very excited.
“It (discus) was my first athletics event, so it is where my heart lies. There isn’t many opportunities for me to throw a discus anymore.
“I’m back training, feeling good and motivated because I have been undefeated in what I do for a long time.
“Now I have to go through the formalities of earning my spot on Team Wales and get myself on the rankings, but at the same time I get the chance to put myself amongst those medals and I’m feeling very confident.”
