MELKSHAM swimmer, Rachel Williams, is set to compete in one of the biggest sporting events in the world as she will represent Wales in the Commonwealth Games next week.
This year’s Games are being held in Glasgow and involves the best athletes from 70 nations worldwide who will come together between 23rd July and 3rd August to compete in elite competition. The event attracts world stars such as Usain Bolt, Mo Farah and Tom Daley as well as many more household names.
Rachel will be making her Commonwealth debut, competing in seven events. Her schedule at the Tollcross Aquatic Centre is: • Thursday 24th July – 200 Freestyle and 4×100 • Friday 25th July – 100 Backstroke • Saturday 26th July – 4×200 Freestyle Relay • Sunday 27th July – 200 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley • Tuesday 29th July – 4×100 Individual Medley Relay (backstroke)
All of Rachel’s events will be shown on the BBC.
Rachel said, “I’m really excited! It’s a very well known competition and knowing I’m part of it feels incredible although it hasn’t completely sunk in yet! I’m really proud to be representing Wales in such a big event.
“It feels like a dream and I can’t believe I have been selected; it’s amazing. I still haven’t come down from the excitement but I am training hard.
“Since January when I did the World Cup open water 10k in Argentina I have had to change my training to more of a middle distance programme which was a bit of a shock to the system as I am more of a distance swimmer, which means more endurance, whereas middle distance is half endurance half speed.
“Since making the team my training has stayed the same as changing anything this close to the games could jeopardise the outcome. On Sunday I leave for London for the Welsh/ English Commonwealth Games holding camp, in this camp I’ll go into taper [reducing exercise before a competition] so that my body is fully prepared to race.
“I would like to say a massive thanks to Mel Sweetman for teaching me to swim, Ruth and Steve Fivash for training me to become a competitive swimmer and the biggest thank you to the late Bernie Nicol who gave me his full and undivided attention at stupid hours in the morning and the endless hours over the years; none of this could of been achieved without your support!”
Rachel’s journey to becoming an international star began at Melksham Blue Pool when she was just five years old and she is now an unfunded athlete. She is looking for sponsorship to help her train and reach her potential in competitions including major international events such as the Commonwealth Games.
Rachel added, “I can offer social networking association with a successful local athlete that has reached Commonwealth standard and coverage in the press for the support given.
If you would like to sponsor Rachel contact the Melksham News at news@melksham news.co.uk and we will pass it on to her.
For more information on the 2014 Commonwealth Games visit www.glasgow2014.com
