Sprinter Olivia Breen became the first female to win a track and field gold medal for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in 32 years after winning the T37/38 100 meter final in Birmingham today. Tuesday.
Last Updated: 03/08/22 6:17 pm
Olivia Breen of Wales celebrates after winning the T37/38 women’s 100 m final at the Commonwealth Games
Olivia Breen admitted her shock at making Commonwealth Games history with a gold medal in the T37/38 100 metres.
The 26-year-old became the first Welsh female track and field athlete to win gold since 1990 when she defeated UK Paralympic teammate Sophie Hahn in the final at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. on Tuesday.
Former Sky Breen pundit had a personal best of 12.83 seconds to finish ahead of Hahn and bronze medalist Rhiannon Clarke of Australia and was left speechless after learning how long it had been. Other Welsh female athletes have achieved that success.
“I saw that at 2 a.m. and I was like ‘god, wow!’,” Breen said Sky Sports News. “I was quite shocked when I saw that and quite confused, but it was a great honor.
“Obviously it’s been 10 years of hard work, but I know I’m in good form and I want to do it within the day.
“I beat Sophie a few weeks ago in an open meeting and I’m confident in myself that I’m capable of that.
“Some people have good days and bad days, but I’m really glad it all comes together in front of a crowd of family and friends and family. It’s just amazing.”
This year’s Commonwealth Games features eight parasport categories among track and field events and Breen, who won a gold medal in the T38 long jump at the 2018 games on the Gold Coast, is delighted. she and other pickup athletes can take this theatrical run.
However, she’s definitely the Paralympics, where she competed in both 2012 and 2020, so it’s still an indie event.
“It’s really good and it’s a good trend for people to watch Paralympic sport,” Breen said. “It’s a really nice vibe and everyone has been so nice to us and supportive.
“I definitely think it’s good to have the Paralympics and the Olympics separate, but the Commonwealth Games is special because it has both together and it’s a really nice atmosphere.
I’m really glad it all came together in front of a crowd of family, friends and family. It is just wonderful.
Olivia Breen on her Commonwealth Games gold
“When the Olympics are over, the Paralympics will follow a month later and letting people learn about people with disabilities is really important.
“For us, the Olympic boys are really good, but we do things in a different way and it’s important that the public see that too and we get their support.”
Breen’s success comes at a time when women’s sport is gaining attention following the success of the recent Euro 2022 women’s soccer tournament.
She has seen a lot of progress for both women’s and disabled sports since she started competing and while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done, Breen encourages the girls Try as many sports as you can.
Breen with Sophie Hahn and Rhiannon Clarke on the podium in Birmingham
“It’s getting better, but there are still improvements to be made, and I expect in the next few years there will be a big improvement, which will be really interesting to see,” Breen said. “I think it’s an exciting future for us.
“Young girls should try all different sports because you don’t know what you will like until you try. Do all you can and find your passion, and never give up. quit because it will come.
“It took me 10 years to win my first 100m gold. You’ll have days like ‘Why am I doing this? I can’t be bothered’ – trust me, keep doing it. and your time will come.”
